Assessing Waste Prevention in Developing Countries: A Simplified Framework
Waste Prevention Framework for Developing Countries
A Strategic Integration of Circular Economy (CE), SDGs, and ESG Principles
Framework Overview
This study establishes a simplified assessment model designed specifically for settings with limited technical data. By utilizing proxy indicators, municipalities can accurately measure waste minimization efforts and align local governance with global sustainability standards.
The Challenge of Data Scarcity
In developing regions, over 90% of waste is often managed through informal or uncontrolled methods. Traditional assessment tools require high-resolution data that is rarely available. This new framework bridges that gap, moving the focus "upstream" to prevent waste before it enters the municipal system.
Key Assessment Indicators
The framework identifies six essential pillars that provide a holistic view of waste prevention performance:
Zero Waste Index
Measures the substitution of virgin materials and total resource recovery potential.
Food Loss Index
Targets organic waste reduction by identifying efficiency gaps in the supply chain.
Policy & EPR
Evaluates the legal integration of Extended Producer Responsibility and plastic bans.
Community Education
Gauges the effectiveness of school-based programs and public awareness campaigns.
Sustainability Weighting
The framework employs Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) to balance the three core pillars of sustainable development:
| Assessment Pillar | Weight | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental | 40% | Diversion from open dumps and reduction in methane emissions. |
| Social | 30% | Integration of informal workers and protection of public health. |
| Economic | 30% | Job creation in the circular economy and operational cost savings. |
Conclusion
Implementing this simplified framework allows developing nations to bypass expensive data-collection barriers and immediately begin measuring progress toward SDG 12. It provides a clear, actionable roadmap for transitioning from traditional waste disposal to a circular, resource-efficient future.
