Introduction to waste management: Understanding systems
(Estimated learner time: 2.5 – 3 hours)
Course description
This course introduces waste management as a system, not just a set of technical tasks. It helps learners understand how waste systems function in practice, why problems emerge and persist, who does the work, and what realistic improvement looks like in constrained settings. The focus is on how to think about waste management clearly and practically, rather than how to design or operate specific technologies.
Who this course is for
This course is for:
- municipal staff and service providers
- NGO and community organisation staff
- practitioners working on urban services, health, or the environment
- people new to waste management who want a strong foundation
It assumes experience of real-world constraints, but not specialist technical training.
What learners will gain from this course
By the end of this course, learners will:
- understand waste management as a system, not just a set of tasks
- explain how waste management links to health, climate, livelihoods, and local governance
- recognise why waste problems often persist, even when people are working hard
- identify the different roles people play across a waste system
- understand what realistic improvement looks like in low-resource or constrained settings
How to use this course
You do not need to complete this course in one sitting. Each lesson is designed to stand on its own. Focus on the lesson introductions, key messages, and practical insights first. Extra detail is there to help deepen understanding where needed.