Investing part of waste disposal cost in waste minimization

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.

The UNCED secretariat suggested that industrialized countries should consider investing in waste minimization the equivalent of about 1% of the expenditure on solid wastes and sewage disposal. At current levels, this would amount to about US$ 6,500 million annually, including about US$ 1,800 million related to minimizing municipal solid wastes. Actual amounts would be determined by relevant municipal, provincial and national budget authorities based on local circumstances.