Navigating Municipal Solid Waste Practices: A Comparative Analysis of the US, Canada, and China

Solid waste management is a critical global challenge, with approximately 11.2 billion tons of waste collected annually, contributing to 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP, 2024). This paper offers a comparative analysis of waste management practices in the United States, Canada, and China, focusing on waste composition, factors driving increased waste, and waste diversion patterns. The study underscores the strengths and weaknesses of each country’s management approach, providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance global waste management strategies.