Key messages

Reducing open waste burning is essential for achieving clean air, clean energy access, climate change mitigation and health and well-being. Globally, over 2 billion tonnes of waste are produced annually. Household waste usually comprises a variety of materials including glass, plastics, metals, cardboard, paper, polystyrene, and organic matter such as food and garden waste. Infrequently, demolition waste, household chemicals or tyres may be included. Open waste burning may occur at major landfills, small or remote dumpsites, individual households or in streets. Emissions from open waste burning include various air pollutants, some of which may have more harmful climate and health impacts. Short- and long-term exposure to these pollutants result in adverse health effects such as coughing, dermatological symptoms, respiratory diseases and other health outcomes.

Some household waste is collected and managed appropriately while uncollected waste is often burned, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but also in rural areas regardless of country income. Waste burned at the household level is usually due to a nonexistent or poor municipal solid waste collection and waste management system. This is often the case in informal settlements and rural areas where the return on investment in collection facilities is poor. To compound this issue there may be a lack of awareness of the associated adverse health impacts as well as embedded cultural practices. Other reasons behind burning refuse, particularly in LMICs, may be to support livelihoods such as retrieval of metals from electrical items or to generate heat for food preparation or warmth, especially in regions with poor access to clean energy solutions

View the complete WHO Technical brief: Open waste burning – sectoral solutions for air pollution and health