WasteAid

WasteAid is an independent UK charity (non-profit), set up by waste management professionals to share practical and low-cost waste management know-how with communities in low-income countries. As waste managers, we understand the importance of waste management for public health, and we also know that small enterprises can be successful in turning waste materials into useful products. We set up WasteAid in 2015 to share know-how and skills with communities that can benefit from this type of advice and support. Around 1 in 3 people globally don’t have decent waste management.  Pollution caused by waste harms people’s health and the environment, and damages the local economy. In contrast, an affordable waste management system is relatively simple to implement, improving the environment, creating jobs and protecting public health – particularly for children. Plastic pollution in the marine environment is of major global concern, and WasteAid is helping tackle this global problem. We work with upstream and coastal communities to set up small recycling centres and help keep plastic out of rivers and the oceans. We also share skills in managing organic waste, helping people make the most from the ‘waste’ materials they have. We share these skills with local trainers so that the knowledge can be passed on from community to community. We keep the cost of equipment as low as possible, because $10 can make a big difference to the viability of a recycling start-up in a deprived community. We make sure there are local markets for any products made from recycled materials, maximising the value to the local economy. What we have to offer… WasteAid waste awareness and training

1. Learn about the importance of waste management for community health, hygiene and wellbeing
2. Find out how to organise and run community clean-ups and waste surveys (land and marine)
3. Discover the most appropriate ways to reduce waste and to manage waste safely
4. Understand the benefits of separating waste materials, re-use and recycling
5. Learn how to turn waste materials into useful products with low-cost recycling techniques

WasteAid capacity building and working together to make change happen

1. Learn about organising a community consultation and group decision-making process
2. Form effective working partnerships between communities, local authorities and private businesses
3. Understand how to collect, manage and present data to improve local waste management
4. Become confident in approaching regional and international support networks
5. Join WasteAid in using the power of the internet to connect, share and grow

Our vision is a world with equal access to waste services for all. Helping communities and governments manage their waste properly is vital if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Waste management has a powerful and positive impact on people’s well-being. Forty per cent of the world’s waste – from homes, businesses, agriculture, hospitals and industry – is not collected or treated. Open dumping and burning of waste causes many serious health problems and pollutes the environment. Open dumps encourage vermin, poison air, land and water, and often result in waste entering the sea and harming marine life. Only 0.3% of international development aid is invested in solid waste management, yet it is crucial to delivering many of the Sustainable Development Goals. WasteAid is campaigning to increase international aid to 3% of total spend in order for waste management to fulfill its potential as an engine for sustainable development. These reports provide detailed information about the global waste crisis – and economic, environmental and health benefits of better waste management:

• Making Waste Work: A Toolkit (WasteAid and CIWM)
• Global Waste Management Outlook (UNEP and ISWA)
• Wasted Health: The Tragic Case of Dumpsites (ISWA and D-Waste)
• A Review of International Development Co-operation in Solid Waste Management (ISWA)

WasteAid is actively seeking partners and donors within the development community and waste management sector. By working together with WasteAid UK, organisations can amplify the positive impact of solid waste management on many people’s lives.