Waste in one health: Building resilient communities through sustainable waste management

Abstract

Waste is a global problem that affects every aspect of our lives and our environment. Disposing of waste - out of sight, out of mind - is not an option anymore as many urban cities worldwide have reached their limits to capacity. Inadequate and inappropriate waste management may cause serious public health consequences and significant environmental impacts. The sustainable management of waste is thus a crucial part of environmental and health protection. Waste management interventions need to be based on the waste hierarchy, 3R principles, and integrated solid waste management, including avoidance, reduction, source separation, collection, treatment, and final disposal. With these in mind, this chapter aims to assess the current and potential impact of waste management on One Health at the human-animal-environmental interface. The chapter will also delve into waste management challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss futuristic solutions to sustainable waste management based on circular economic principles.