Recent reports reveal that by 2100, the increasing global urban population will be producing thrice as much waste as it is producing currently. In this respect, solid waste generation rates are expected to reach 11 million tonnes per day by 2100. Consequently, the global cost of dealing with garbage is inevitably expected to rise from $205 billion annually as of 2010 to a projected figure of $375 billion by 2025. The increase in waste production, therefore, has serious social, fiscal, and physical consequences globally. Likewise, it is a threat to the environment, as well as health and safety. The causes of the global garbage challenge are numerous. For instance, as countries become industrialized and urbanized, more trash is produced due to enhanced purchasing power. Likewise, the increasing global population has resulted in increased consumerism, which translates into more waste generation. Another cause is the fact that public waste systems in most countries are lagging behind the ongoing urban expansion. In this case, efficient and adequate waste systems are lacking. In developing countries, for instance, a lot of effort is put into garbage collection as opposed to disposal. Nevertheless, the collection is still inefficient. With these factors in play, the garbage challenge is inevitable. A number of solutions can be used to address the problem. One approach is ensuring that the waste is collected for disposal. Likewise, changing the public attitude towards waste is necessary so as to foster reduction, recycling, and other sustainable approaches. Additionally, there is a need to create synergies between the formal and informal sectors in the waste management industry. Further, innovation in addressing the challenge is critical For instance, charging households for waste disposal by weight is being implemented in the United States (U.S) through the ‘WasteZero program. This way the households have to find a way of reducing their waste. However, in light of the observed rate of urbanization, the creation of denser, resource-efficient cities will also play a significant role. Other solutions include reducing food waste through the development of efficient transport and storage systems, reusing materials in the construction industry, and developing policies that encourage waste reduction. In conclusion, globally, the garbage challenge is unprecedented. However, this presents an opportunity for various stakeholders to come up with sustainable solutions to solve the problem.
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