Global municipal solid waste generation is projected to grow by over 75 percent by 2050, reaching nearly 3.8 billion metric tons, in a scenario where no urgent action is taken. In 2020, more than two billion metric tons of municipal solid waste were generated worldwide.
A significant portion of the world's population lacks access to basic waste collection, with nearly three billion people not having access to these services in 2020. Collection rates were particularly low in Central and South Asia, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, at less than 40 percent. This gap in service provision presents both a challenge and an opportunity for waste management companies to expand their operations and improve global waste management practices.Â
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UNEP. (February 28, 2024). Municipal solid waste generation worldwide in 2020, and projections from 2030 to 2050 (in billion metric tons) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 23, 2026, from /statistics/916625/global-generation-of-municipal-solid-waste-forecast/
UNEP. "Municipal solid waste generation worldwide in 2020, and projections from 2030 to 2050 (in billion metric tons)." Chart. February 28, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 23, 2026. /statistics/916625/global-generation-of-municipal-solid-waste-forecast/
UNEP. (2024). Municipal solid waste generation worldwide in 2020, and projections from 2030 to 2050 (in billion metric tons). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 23, 2026. /statistics/916625/global-generation-of-municipal-solid-waste-forecast/
UNEP. "Municipal Solid Waste Generation Worldwide in 2020, and Projections from 2030 to 2050 (in Billion Metric Tons)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 28 Feb 2024, /statistics/916625/global-generation-of-municipal-solid-waste-forecast/
UNEP, Municipal solid waste generation worldwide in 2020, and projections from 2030 to 2050 (in billion metric tons) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/916625/global-generation-of-municipal-solid-waste-forecast/ (last visited July 23, 2026)
Municipal solid waste generation worldwide in 2020, and projections from 2030 to 2050 (in billion metric tons) [Graph], UNEP, February 28, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/916625/global-generation-of-municipal-solid-waste-forecast/