Sustainable Waste Management

Outcome

% of solid waste managed according to the sustainable solid waste management plan in place

This indicator measures the extent to which solid waste generated by project activities is managed in line with agreed waste handling practices, with the aim of reducing environmental and public health risks. It focuses on whether waste is managed appropriately, rather than on precise quantification of waste volumes.

Determine the indicator value using the following methodology:

 

1) Define the scope of waste covered: Identify the main sources of waste this indicator covers. According to ECHO’s guidance, these should be waste from “facilities directly managed or supported by the partner” (e.g. offices, warehouses, (re)construction sites, health facilities, community centers, camps, distribution points).

 

2) Define what “managed according to the sustainable solid waste management plan” means: Identify which sustainable waste management arrangements are already in place. These may be described in SOPs, activity plans, or logistics procedures and may not take the form of a stand-alone plan. If such arrangements do not yet exist (or are not written), agree on, define, and document a basic set of minimum sustainable waste management practices that are feasible for the project.

 

3) Decide whether you need to distinguish waste streams (only where relevant):
If waste management practices differ by waste type or hazardous waste is present, identify the main waste streams (e.g., general waste, packaging, construction debris, organic waste, hazardous waste). If waste management practices are the same for all waste, this step can be omitted.

 

4) Estimate waste volumes using a simplified, evidence-informed approach:

When waste is generated across multiple facilities, it may not be feasible to measure waste separately for every facility. Group facilities by type (e.g., offices, warehouses, (re)construction sites, health facilities, etc.) and apply one estimation approach per group.

Exact measurements are not required; however, the calculations should be made using the best possible estimates based on observations, records (e.g. receipts or product specifications), and sample measurements, not on general assumptions alone. Choose one of the following approaches and apply it consistently:

   - container-based estimates: Use the number and size of bins or bags collected, multiplied by an observed or typical fill level (based on spot checks or routine collection patterns)

   - short-period sampling and extrapolation: Measure or observe waste generated over a short, representative period (e.g., one day or one week) at one or more sites, and extrapolate to the reporting period

   - approximate shares based on observation: Estimate each waste stream’s share of total waste (e.g., 10%, 30%, 60%) based on staff observations, product specifications (e.g. packaging of provided goods), or service-provider information, rather than on desk-based assumptions

Briefly document what the estimate is based on (e.g., spot checks, collection frequency, staff interviews, sampling period) and any key assumptions.

 

5) Assess which waste is managed according to agreed practices: For each type of facilities (and for each waste stream only if Step 3 applies), use simple evidence such as observations, staff interviews, or service provider arrangements to determine whether waste is or is not managed according to the agreed sustainable practices.

 

6) To calculate the indicator value:

    - estimate the total waste generated across the project (sum across groups)

    - estimate the portion managed according to the agreed sustainable practices (sum across groups; treat “partially managed” consistently if used)

    - divide sustainably managed waste by total waste and multiply by 100

If using approximate shares, you can calculate directly from shares (e.g., % sustainably managed = sum of managed shares).

The data can be disaggregated by the type of facilities producing waste and other criteria relevant to the context of your intervention.

1) Keep it manageable: This indicator is not intended to require detailed waste audits or precise weighing of all waste generated. Credible, well-documented, evidence-informed estimates are acceptable and preferable to not using the indicator because it might appear “too difficult”.

 

2) A plan can be simple: If no waste management plan exists, agree on and document a basic set of minimum sustainable waste handling practices that are feasible for the project.

 

3) Group sites when needed: Where waste is generated across multiple facilities, group them and apply one estimation approach per group to keep data collection feasible.

 

4) Focus on practices and progress: The indicator measures whether waste is managed in line with the defined practices (Step 2) and can be used to track improvement over time, even if starting from basic arrangements.

 

5) Be transparent: Briefly document the estimation approach, what the estimates are based on (e.g., spot checks, collection frequency, sampling), and any key limitations / assumptions.

 

6) Both organic and non-organic waste should be considered.

7) This indicator is used by DG ECHO as one of its Key Outcome Indicators.