Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( March 19, 2025): In the face of a rapidly warming planet, the need for sustainable practices has never been more urgent. As global temperatures rise and ecosystems continue to suffer, waste management has emerged as a crucial factor in establishing both clean air and a sustainable environment. The connection between effective waste management and climate change may not always be obvious, but it is undeniable that how we handle our waste can have a profound impact on air quality, resource conservation, and overall environmental health.
Relationship between Waste Management and Clean Air
Waste management directly affects air quality, especially in urban areas where population density leads to higher levels of waste production. Inefficient waste disposal methods such as landfills and incineration contribute to air pollution, which is a significant factor in global warming and health problems worldwide.
One of the main contributors to air pollution from waste is methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Landfills are one of the largest sources of methane emissions globally. When organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills, it produces methane, which is more than 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), global methane emissions from waste amount to around 15% of total methane emissions.
Additionally, waste incineration, though sometimes used to generate energy, releases carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants, contributing to smog and respiratory issues in nearby communities. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 reported that air pollution—much of which comes from industrial activities, including waste burning kills an estimated 7 million people each year globally.
Waste Management in Sustainable Environmental Practices
Waste management is an essential part of establishing a sustainable environment. In many parts of the world, traditional waste disposal methods, like sending waste to landfills or burning it, are no longer sufficient or viable. These practices deplete valuable resources, generate significant pollution, and exacerbate climate change.
To combat these issues, waste management systems must evolve toward more sustainable practices. Recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies can help reduce the environmental footprint of waste. In fact, the Global Recycling Foundation estimates that improving global recycling rates could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700 million tons per year, which is roughly the same as the emissions produced by 150 million cars.
The concept of a circular economy where products are reused, repaired, and recycled rather than disposed of is one of the most promising approaches to sustainable waste management. By closing the loop on materials, we reduce the demand for raw material extraction, cut down on the carbon emissions associated with production, and prevent waste from polluting land, air, and water.
For example, composting organic waste not only reduces the methane emissions associated with landfills, but it also provides an opportunity to sequester carbon in the soil, which benefits agriculture and helps mitigate the effects of climate change. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that composting and recycling have diverted over 90 million tons of waste from landfills annually, significantly cutting down on pollution.
Global Impact of Waste Management on Clean Air
On a global scale, waste management’s impact on air quality and sustainability is critical. In 2019, the World Bank reported that the world generates over 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, with this number expected to increase by 70% by 2050 if current trends continue. The majority of this waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, both of which contribute to air pollution and climate change.
However, some countries are already leading the way in implementing sustainable waste management systems. For instance, Sweden has become a model for waste management, with over 99% of its waste being recycled or converted into energy. This shift away from landfills and towards circular practices has not only helped reduce air pollution but has also contributed to Sweden’s ambitious climate goals, including a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
In contrast, countries with less advanced waste management systems often face severe consequences from poor air quality and environmental degradation. In many parts of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, open burning of waste is a common practice, releasing toxic fumes and contributing to hazardous air pollution. The WHO estimates that approximately 4.3 million people die prematurely each year due to indoor air pollution caused by the burning of solid waste in low-income countries.
Solutions and the Path Forward
To address these issues and build a more sustainable environment, governments, industries, and individuals must work together to improve waste management systems and reduce waste production. Policy initiatives, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs and zero-waste goals, have the potential to drive systemic change. Countries like Japan and Germany have implemented comprehensive recycling programs and waste diversion strategies that have significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills and improved air quality. On an individual level, people can reduce their environmental footprint by adopting practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial for educating people about the importance of waste management and its connection to clean air and sustainability.
Technological innovations, such as waste-to-energy (WTE) plants and advanced recycling technologies, can also play a significant role in reducing waste-related emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), WTE technologies can produce up to 9% of the world’s renewable energy, while also diverting waste from landfills and reducing harmful air pollutants.
Finally, as the world faces the dual challenges of air pollution and climate change, waste management emerges as a vital solution for creating cleaner air and a more sustainable environment. By adopting innovative waste management practices—such as recycling, composting, and embracing a circular economy we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize air pollution, and conserve natural resources. While there is still much work to be done, the progress made by leading nations shows that a cleaner, greener world is possible. Ultimately, the choices we make today in how we handle our waste will determine the health of our planet for generations to come.
Author: Mohammad Shahadat Hossen
(This writing is part of the findings of an environmental research under the, Faculty of Applied Social Science, Sultan Zainal Abidin University. The author is a PhD student in the Faculty of Applied Social Science, and can be contacted at si4114@putra.unisza.edu.my)
