With the ever expanding population, the amount of waste generated is increasing every year. According to the United Nations, eleven to twelve billion tones of waste is generated across the world every year which is only going to increase in the coming years due to rapid economic growth, urbanization and growing population. This generated waste has its ill effects on the environment, the realization of which has led the countries to ponder over the amount of waste generated and ways to tackle it in the best manner possible. Efforts are being put into reducing the harmful effects of the generated waste. Some of the best waste management countries in the world have come up with creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. These countries have been enumerated below.

Germany

The country that tops the list of best waste management countries in the world is Germany. The government of Germany is increasing their efforts to control the generation of waste and the treatment of the generated waste in an appropriate manner. They have introduced environmental friendly policies to govern biodegradable packaging and the use of eco-friendly materials which has to be followed by all the companies operating in the country. The citizens of Germany have embraced the habit of segregating their waste into plastic waste and organic waste. Efforts are being made to convert the organic trash into compost while the plastic waste is being recycled. The German government is also spending money to clean the plastic and litter from adjoining seas and water bodies.

Austria

Austria is another country with the best waste management system only second to Germany. Like its neighboring country, Austria has strict policies to limit the use of plastic in import product packaging and has a blanket ban on certain types of waste substances that go into the landfill. Austria practices circular economy and invests in teaching materials to educate its young generations about proper waste management and its importance in protecting the environment. This country has also put a ban on the products which have a total carbon emission of more than 5% which also prevents any packaging material to enter into the landfills.

Wales

Wales might be a very small country but it stands tall when it comes to waste management and recycling. The country has a constitutional rule that imparts the duty of sustainable development to the policymakers. The local administrators of the country make sure that recycling of waste is performed at the grass root level according to the rules set by government which is followed by the citizens and businesses alike. Wales has a successful recycling rate of 64% which is very close to 70%, a target that they want to achieve by 2025. They are also on their way to implement bans on single use plastics.

Switzerland

Switzerland rank among the top countries in waste management because of its strict policy wherein the people who contribute to the pollution are made to pay extra. This has led to households and businesses in Switzerland to consciously recycle their waste in order to avoid paying extra. The government levies taxes on bin bags for landfills in order to encourage the use of recyclable goods such as tin cans, bulbs and paper products which can easily be recycled at the nearest supermarket.

Sweden

Sweden is one country which manages its waste very well and encourages other countries to give them their trash so that they can use it for recycling. It has been reported that less than 1% of waste from the houses in Sweden end up in landfill areas. The rest are recycled in different ways, the most unique one being to produce heat and electricity. By doing this they provide heat and electricity to households in order to survive the winter months. This strategy has made Sweden one of the leading countries in best waste management system.