Extending waste management services to the unserved urban poor

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends assigning high priority to the extension of waste management services, as necessary and appropriate, to all settlements irrespective of their legal status, giving due emphasis to meeting the waste disposal needs of the unserved, especially the unserved urban poor. Agenda 21 also recommends establishing a special unit within current institutional arrangements to plan and deliver services to unserved poor communities, with their involvement and participation.