Global South Source Separation of Waste and Home Composting

The Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 estimates that over 2.1 billion tonne of municipal waste is generated globally, a figure projected to rise by 56 per cent to 3.78 billion tonne by 2050.Theshare of the Global Southin waste generation, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, is alarming, where it has already exceededour capacity to manage. Organic waste hovers between65-80 per cent of the overall solid waste in these regions, compared to a global average of 50-55 per cent; often found to be the most polluting, it is thus the most challenging of all waste streams, significantly contributing to global GHG emissions. 

Currently, 60 per cent of the world’s waste is not collected or processed properly, often ending up in uncontrolled dumpsites or marine environments. Suchunscientific disposal contributes to GHG emissions and contaminates the recyclable fractions. Therefore, both upstream (waste reduction at the source) and downstream (effective waste management) measures are crucial. 

India's experience shows that home composting can significantly reduce waste at its source, provided such efforts are made inclusive through appropriate instruments. Source separation is non-negotiable, as no technology has ever been sustainable when the waste is mixed at source.The Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy (GFCCE), with 19 member states from Africa and Asia, has prioritised source separation and home composting in its agenda for sustainable waste management. 

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), in its pursuit to foster capacity building of the Global South, is offering a four-day online training programme. This training focuses on the necessity and strategies for source separation, legal mandates, and dissemination of successful models from Sub-Saharan Africa and India. 

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

• Strategies for adoptingsource separation and home composting
• Role of local governments to ensure source separation and home composting
• Legal provisions and role of various stakeholders
• Various working models from India and African nations 

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE

• Live sessions with domain experts and practitioners including Q&A with participants
• Course materials and resources
• Certificate of completion after quiz result

For further details, please contact 

Mou Sengupta
Program Manager,
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy
Centre for Science and Environment
Email: mou.sengupta@cseindia.org
Mobile: +91 9836448262 

Kaifee Jawed
Deputy Program Manager
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy
Centre for Science and Environment
Email:kaifee.jawed@cseindia.org
Mobile: +91 9755411810