Here’s a scary stat: According to a report from the World Bank, urban residents generate 1.3 billion tonnes of trash globally per year. That’s 1.2 kg per person, per day. What’s worse, these numbers are expected to jump to 2.2 billion tonnes per year in 2025, or 1.4 kg per person per day.
And the biggest offenders? High-income countries just like Canada. In fact, OECD countries (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) produce almost half of the world’s waste. It makes sense if you think about it. The higher the disposable income, the more stuff people buy—and throw away. And as living standards rise and urban populations grow, the problem is only going to get worse.
Here’s a rundown of the 10 OECD countries with the worst trash habits. Numbers are current waste production per capita (kg/capita/day) vs 2025 projected waste production per capita (kg/capita/day).
#1. New Zealand
photo credit: Living on the Edge via photopin (license)
#2. Ireland
Current: 3.58
Future: 3.00
photo credit: 420m via photopin (license)
#3. Norway
Current: 2.8
Future: 2.3
photo credit: Tore Thiss Fjeld via Flickr
#4. Switzerland
Current: 2.61
Future: 2.3
#5. United States
Current: 2.58
Future: 2.3
photo credit: Les Halnes via Flickr
#6. Austria
Current: 2.40
Future: 2.15
photo credit: Diego Cambiaso via Flickr
#7. Denmark
Current: 2.34
Future: 2.15
photo credit: Nelson L via Flickr
#8 Canada
Current: 2.33
Future: […]