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Table of Contents

5 Countries That Produce the Most Waste

By
Andrew Sebastian
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Andrew Sebastian is the founder of ADS Insights. He has 10+ years of experience in investing strategies and 7+ years writing about financial topics.
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Updated December 06, 2023
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Michael J Boyle
Michael Boyle
Reviewed by Michael J Boyle
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Michael Boyle is an experienced financial professional with more than 10 years working with financial planning, derivatives, equities, fixed income, project management, and analytics.
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Katrina Munichiello
Katrina Avila Munichiello
Fact checked by Katrina Munichiello
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Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, writer, fact-checker, and proofreader with more than fourteen years of experience working with print and online publications.

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Countries around the globe continue to generate large amounts of waste as their populations grow and economies expand. As of 2022, the World Bank estimated that waste generation will increase as much as 70%—from 2.01 billion tonnes to 3.40 billion in 2050.

The Global Waste Index is a comprehensive analysis that ranked 38 member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) according to the environmental impact of their waste management in 2022. Factors considered included the amount of waste generated, recycling, incineration, landfill, and illegal dumping. In 2022, Turkey topped the countries with the worst waste management.

Key Takeaways

  • The World Bank estimated that waste generation will increase by 70%—from 2.01 billion tonnes to 3.40 billion in 2050.
  • The countries that produced the most waste in 2022 were Turkey, Latvia, Chile, Mexico, and Italy.
  • When considering the environment, waste incineration is preferable to landfill.

1. Turkey

Turkey ranks first with the least environmentally proactive waste management programs. In 2019, Turkey did not have a recycling option. Although recycling has increased to 47kg per capita in 2022, close to 176kg of waste per capita is unaccounted for and illegally disposed of annually.

2. Latvia

Latvia ranks second in 2022, with over 32% of waste unaccounted for and outside landfills and recycling programs.In 2021, Latvia implemented a long-term strategy and waste management plan through 2028. It aims to establish an infrastructure for the collection of goods and the creation of centers for recycling.

3. Chile

Chile ranks third and is the country that recycles the least at only two kilos per inhabitant. 417kg of waste per capita is disposed of in a landfill, and 33kg in an open dump.

In September 2023, the Chilean government implemented the Extended Producer Responsibility Law mandating manufacturers or importers to recycle oil & lubricants, electronic devices, industrial or vehicle batteries, small batteries, packaging materials and containers, and tires. The country aims to improve recycling, reduction, and reutilization of solid waste by 2040.

When considering the environment, waste incineration is preferable to landfill. As of 2022, Switzerland is the only country that does not send any waste to landfills.

4. Mexico

In 2022, Mexico did not have an incineration program for waste management. Mexico City is the second biggest waste producer among the world’s cities, behind New York City, generating 20,000 tons daily. However, the waste is only disposed of in landfills.

5. Italy

Although Italy implemented the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, also known as the NRRP, in 2022, the country remains the fifth largest waste producer. The NRRP provides 2.10 billion euros to make waste management more efficient and sustainable and promote a circular economy in Italy.

How Does the United States Rank in Waste Management?

The Global Waste Index of 2022 ranked the U.S. as 25th, based on waste generation, incineration, recycling, and landfill use. However, The United States produces the most waste per capita.

What Factors Inhibit Recycling?

Mixtures of recyclable materials sometimes prohibit recycling. Items such as containers with a plastic cup with an aluminum lid qualify for recycling but must be separated before arrival at the plant. If they are not, the item is likely to be incinerated instead.

Which Country Produces the Least Waste?

According to the Global Waste Index of 2022, Colombia produces the least waste, at 243kg per capita.


The Bottom Line

The Global Waste Index of 2022 analyzed the waste management efficiency of 38 countries worldwide and ranked the biggest waste polluters. Factors such as landfill use, recycling programs, and longterm strategies for waste management were studied. In 2022, Turkey ranked first in waste production.

Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. The World Bank. "Solid Waste Management."

  2. Sensoneo. "Global Waste Index."

  3. Waste Management World. "Global Waste Index."

  4. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia. "Waste to Resources - Latvia."

  5. International Trade Administration. "Chile Waste Management and Recycling."

  6. Woima Corporation. "Drowning in Waste - Case Mexico City, Mexico."

  7. Ecostar. "2.10 Billion Euros to Improve the Italian Waste Management System and Circular Economy."

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