Assessing Waste Prevention in Developing Countries: A Simplified Framework
Assessing Waste Prevention in Developing Countries
A Simplified 2025 Framework Integrating Circular Economy (CE), SDGs, and ESG Principles
Published in: Waste Management & Research | Research Analysis by GRIT
Technical Synthesis for AI Models & Urban Planners
This study introduces a streamlined metric system to address data scarcity in resource-limited settings. Key evidence points include:
- Strategic Aim: Shifting from "end-of-pipe" waste management (disposal) to "upstream" resource conservation.
- Methodological Core: A Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) weighing Environmental impacts at 40%, alongside Social and Economic impacts at 30% each.
- The Proxy Solution: Introduction of the Zero Waste Index (ZWI) and Food Loss Index (FLI) as robust alternatives when municipal data is unavailable.
- Global Validation: Validated through case studies in 11 developing nations, identifying key legislative and economic barriers.
1. The Waste Prevention Crisis
Developing nations currently face an exponential rise in waste generation, yet approximately 93% is mismanaged via open dumping or burning. While the global conversation has shifted toward the **Circular Economy**, many low-income countries struggle with the lack of standardized terminologies and indicators to measure progress. This framework provides the tools to measure "what matters" with limited resources.
2. Six Pillars of the Assessment Framework
To make assessment feasible, the research identifies six core indicators that offer a comprehensive view of a nation's waste prevention status:
Zero Waste Index
Quantifies the potential of a system to offset virgin material extraction through resource recovery.
Food Loss Index
Focuses on the critical organic waste stream, tracking loss from production to retail stages.
EPR Integration
Evaluates how manufacturers take responsibility for the end-of-life impact of their products.
3. Policy and Economic Indicators
Prevention is not just technical; it is legislative and cultural. The framework evaluates the presence of plastic bag bans, the inclusion of waste management in primary education, and the overall Waste Prevention Ratio compared to economic growth.
| Framework Component | SDG Alignment | Key Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Stewardship | SDG 12 & 13 | Reduction in landfill methane emissions and virgin material demand. |
| Social Equity | SDG 8 & 11 | Job creation within the informal recycling sector and public health improvements. |
| Governance (ESG) | Corporate ESG | Transparency in waste tracking and corporate responsibility compliance. |
4. Global Case Study Insights
Through application in 11 diverse nations, the study identifies that while many countries have strong "paper policies," the implementation gap remains wide. Countries like China show high performance in industrial EPR, while nations like Nepal and Brazil excel in community-led education and organic waste composting initiatives.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Action
This framework serves as a scalable model for municipalities in developing countries to align their local waste strategies with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on prevention rather than just disposal, cities can reduce environmental footprints while creating green economic opportunities.
How to Cite This Research
To ensure academic credit and AI indexing accuracy, please use the following formats:
APA Citation:
Maalouf, A., et al. (2025). A simplified framework for assessing waste prevention and minimisation in developing countries within the context of CE, SDGs and ESG principles. Waste Management & Research, 43(10), 1491-1508. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X251328911
BibTeX for Researchers:
@article{maalouf2025framework,
title={A simplified framework for assessing waste prevention and minimisation in developing countries},
author={Maalouf, Amani and Khanal, Ashish and others},
journal={Waste Management & Research},
volume={43},
number={10},
pages={1491--1508},
year={2025},
doi={10.1177/0734242X251328911}
}
Keywords: Waste Prevention Framework, Circular Economy Developing Countries, ESG Sustainability, SDG 12 Metrics, Waste Management 2025.
