Underutilized wastes

Nature

Many countries produce large quantities of agricultural and industrial wastes as well as growing quantities of consumer wastes, none of which are adequately utilized.

Incidence

Globally, an estimated 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated annually, with at least 33% not managed in an environmentally safe manner. According to the World Bank, a significant portion of this waste—such as food scraps, agricultural by-products, and industrial residues—remains underutilized, representing lost opportunities for resource recovery and economic benefit, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2018, the city of Jakarta, Indonesia, faced severe landfill overflows, with over 7,000 tonnes of waste generated daily. Despite the high organic content, less than 5% was composted or converted to energy, leaving most biodegradable waste underutilized and contributing to environmental pollution.

Claim

Underutilized wastes represent a critical and often overlooked issue that demands urgent attention. Millions of tons of valuable resources are discarded annually, contributing to environmental degradation and economic inefficiency. By failing to harness these materials, we squander opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and circular economy practices. Addressing this problem is not just an environmental imperative; it is essential for fostering resilience in our economies and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. We must act now!

Counter-claim

Underutilized wastes are often exaggerated as a pressing issue. In reality, many industries effectively manage their byproducts, turning them into valuable resources or energy. The focus on waste can distract from more critical environmental challenges, such as climate change and pollution. Instead of fixating on underutilized wastes, we should prioritize innovative solutions that address larger systemic problems. Overemphasizing this topic diverts attention and resources from truly impactful environmental initiatives.