Goal setting, evaluation of the effectiveness of waste policies and measures, and the choice of technologies rely strongly on information and data on waste. Understanding the current state and dynamics is important for understanding the waste management bottlenecks, finding solutions and measuring performance. How is the implementation going? Is the legislation working and is it being enforced? Is the situation manageable for all the actors? Who is involved? How? What are the interactions, what works well and what does not? Are there barriers and limiting factors? During preparation of the Central Asia waste outlook it was noted that the available data are often contradictory, unreliable and at times obsolete. Several major landfills in the region measure waste by weight, but most operators use waste volume metrics. Conversions between weight and volume employ various methods and factors. Sometimes the data do not distinguish between waste generation, collection, delivery to the landfill or final disposal, and do not specify whether the waste was segregated. Many aspects of waste management are not taken into account or impossible to cover in the official statistics, for example, uncontrolled open dumping or informal sector. Data on waste composition is often uncertain or selective. Continuous improvements of the waste information system and waste statistics are important steps for the entire region. These steps should consider social instruments that focus on communications, raising the awareness of the public and businesses, and encouraging the active participation of communities and stakeholders. The aim goes beyond just providing information to promoting active engagement and leading by example on an ongoing basis, as behaviour change takes time. Information on waste should be credible, easily understandable and regular, and first of all it should be relevant to the daily activities and concerns of people. Otherwise, this information will easily be lost in the numerous information streams.
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Waste solutions Information for public awareness and decision-making Monitor waste composition and use weighbridges to measure waste quantities Measure waste prevention and recycling by sector and waste stream Develop fit-for-purpose data collection to allow sound strategic planning Improve the completeness, reliability and availability of waste statistics and information Be transparent – make waste and pollution data available online Benchmark performance of solid waste management systems using available indicators and highlight areas for improvement
Partnerships Invest in dialogue, education, communication and collaboration Work with manufacturers to move toward a circular economy Build stakeholder engagement into waste prevention and minimization Establish mutually beneficial partnerships to deliver effective and sustainable waste services Include communities and informal sectors in an integrated waste system Strengthen commitment to waste management goals, solutions and continuity of actions