Software
2002 • D-Waste Waste Atlas
WASTE ATLAS is a free, interactive, crowdsourcing platform visualizing global municipal solid waste (MSW) management data. Designed using GIS technology, the tool allows users to explore MSW trends, compare waste management performance across regions, and analyze data related to waste generation, treatment, and disposal methods. It supports researchers, policymakers, and waste management professionals by offering insights into infrastructure, practices, and opportunities for improved waste recovery and diversion. Accessible worldwide, WASTE ATLAS promotes transparency, knowledge sharing, and informed decision-making for sustainable waste management.
Recovered Materials & Products
Energy
Nutrients
Materials
Waste Streams
Organic solid waste
Solid waste
Confirmed countries
Germany
What is this tool intended for?
WASTE ATLAS is designed to visualize and analyze MSW management practices worldwide. The tool enables users to benchmark waste management systems, identify trends, and highlight opportunities for sustainable waste diversion and recovery. It serves as a decision-making resource for researchers, policymakers, and waste management organizations aiming to optimize waste management systems and strategies.
How does this tool work?
WASTE ATLAS uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create an interactive map, allowing users to visualize MSW trends across regions and cities. This visualization is supplemented with graphs and charts to facilitate insights into waste generation, treatment technologies, recycling rates, and waste disposal patterns. Accessible as both a web-based platform and mobile application, it enables analysis across multiple devices.
Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?
Policymakers and governments, waste management professionals, researchers and civil society can use this tool to optimize collection, treatment, and recycling strategies, analyze global waste trends and increase transparency, accountability, and civic engagement in waste reduction practices.
What stages of a process can this tool support?
WASTE ATLAS supports the stages of:
- Planning and Decision-Making: Identifying gaps, assessing opportunities, and planning waste management interventions.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Comparing progress toward recycling goals and assessing system performance.
- Resource Recovery Exploration: Visualizing opportunities to reduce waste to landfill through recycling and diversion.
What skills, capabilities, and resources are required to use this tool?
No advanced technical skills required. A stable internet connection is needed (browser-based and mobile application).
Where can this tool be used?
Global application, with access available across regions. Users can zoom into specific countries or urban areas for detailed insights. Designed for use by government agencies, academics, researchers, or local communities worldwide.
Technologies
Composting
Anaerobic digestion
Themes
Assessment
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Policy and regulation