World Bank Predicts Waste Generation to Surge 50% by 2050

Report estimates global waste will grow from 2.56 billion metric tons in 2022 to 3.86 billion metric tons by 2050.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:21am

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A composition of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the rapid expansion of waste volumes worldwide.A geometric visualization of the World Bank's projections for a 50% surge in global waste generation by 2050.Washington Today

A new report from the World Bank Group predicts that global waste generation will increase by 50% over the next three decades, rising from 2.56 billion metric tons in 2022 to 3.86 billion metric tons by 2050. The report, titled 'What a Waste 3.0,' examines the current state of waste management practices around the world and the challenges facing the waste and recycling sectors as waste volumes continue to grow.

Why it matters

The World Bank's findings underscore the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure and recycling programs, particularly in developing regions where waste collection and disposal remain major challenges. As waste volumes surge, the environmental and public health impacts of mismanaged waste will only intensify, making effective waste solutions a critical priority for governments and industry.

The details

The report's co-authors found that while nearly 100% of municipal solid waste is managed in controlled facilities in high-income countries, only 3% of waste is handled this way in low-income nations. Instead, much of the waste in developing regions is either uncollected or dumped in non-engineered open sites. Globally, landfills remain the most common waste management method, accounting for 29% of all waste outcomes. Just 21% of discarded materials are diverted through recycling, composting, and other landfill alternatives. The report also highlights the growing plastic pollution crisis, estimating that nearly 29% of all plastic waste - or 93 million metric tons per year - is mismanaged worldwide.

  • The 'What a Waste 3.0' report is an update of previous World Bank assessments on global waste, recycling and landfill practices that was last updated in 2018.
  • The report estimates that global waste generation will grow from 2.56 billion metric tons in 2022 to 3.86 billion metric tons by 2050.

The players

World Bank Group

Also known as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank Group is a Washington-based international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects and promoting economic development.

Ed Cook

One of the five co-authors of the 'What a Waste 3.0' report.

Kremena Ionkova

One of the five co-authors of the 'What a Waste 3.0' report.

Perinaz Bhada-Tata

One of the five co-authors of the 'What a Waste 3.0' report.

Sonakshi Yadav

One of the five co-authors of the 'What a Waste 3.0' report.

Frank van Woerden

One of the five co-authors of the 'What a Waste 3.0' report.

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What they’re saying

“While the 2018 'What a Waste 2.0' report estimated that the world would generate 2.59 billion metric tons of waste by 2030, the most current figures show that 2.56 billion metric tons were already produced by 2022.”

— Report Co-Authors

“Under a business-as-usual scenario, global waste generation is expected to grow from 2.56 billion metric tons in 2022 to 3.86 billion metric tons by 2050, a 50 percent increase.”

— Report Co-Authors

“The case for effective waste management is compelling, as the costs of inaction considerably exceed costs required for sound waste systems.”

— World Bank

“Achieving universal waste collection, and eliminating open dumping are essential to prevent plastics from leaking into the environment.”

— World Bank

What’s next

The World Bank plans to release the full 'What a Waste 3.0' report on its website, providing policymakers and industry leaders with detailed data and recommendations for addressing the global waste crisis.

The takeaway

The World Bank's latest findings underscore the urgent need for substantial investments in waste management infrastructure, recycling programs, and innovative solutions to curb the exponential growth in global waste generation. As waste volumes continue to rise, particularly in developing regions, effective waste management will be critical for protecting the environment and public health.