A Gap Analysis in Selected Asian Countries, 3R Knowledge Hub ...

Solid waste generation and its management is being widely debated across the world in various
events, from local forums to international conferences and summits. Solid waste management has
become a niche spot in the recent years. Technology providers, research institutes, academicians,
manufacturers and consumers have joined hands to offer economically viable, socially acceptable
and technologically sustainable solutions. Managing solid waste cannot be single-handedly done
by the smallest administrative unit of a town or even by the federal government. It has to be a
concerted effort of all the stakeholders; from waste generators to municipal administrations to
technology providers.
Realizing the need for cross-sectoral participation and the diverse roles of stakeholders, the 3R
Initiative was proposed by the Japanese Government aiming to build a sound material-cycle
society through the effective use of resources and materials. Gaining further momentum, it was
agreed as an Initiative of the G8 during the Sea Island Summit in June 2004. Since then, the
Initiative had taken several forms and shapes through a line of events such as the 3R Ministerial
Conference hosted by the Government of Japan in April 2005 and the Senior Officials Meeting on
3R in March 2006.
Reaffirming the role of 3Rs as a strategic solution to the waste crisis, the Asian Development Bank
decided to establish the 3R Knowledge Hub (3RKH) through its “Technical Assistance for the
Establishment of Regional Knowledge Hub”. The 3RKH is jointly hosted by United Nations
Environment Programme, Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific and Asian Institute
of Technology in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific and United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for Asia and
the Pacific. Situated in the sprawling campus of Asian Institute of Technology, the 3RKH
functions with specific objectives on growth of identified 3R knowledge and technologies and
disseminating the same to a wider audience.
This report, a landmark research product of the 3RKH, aims to present the prevailing technology,
management and policy gaps to 3R implementation in selected Asian countries. The core contents
of the report analyze at depth the currents on how waste is managed. Looking at the threats and
widespread nature of the issues, the report focuses specifically on urban municipal waste,
healthcare waste and e-waste. The report addresses the comprehensive chain of action on the
management of waste from collection to final disposal and the treatment technologies adopted at
various stages. With an understanding that management and policy measures are equally
important in addressing waste related issues, the report discusses the current scenario in these
aspects as well. Finally, the report places specific recommendations to the stakeholders thus
enabling them to move towards a sound material-cycle society, as envisioned by the forerunners
of the 3R activities.
Though the focus countries of the 3RKH are primarily from Asia, we trust that the 3RKH
contributes to promoting 3R in a wider scope of countries by working together with partners and
providing knowledge services for a resource efficient and environmentally sustainable society.
Takashi Ohmura
Environment Specialist
Environment and Social Safeguard Division
Regional and Sustainable Development Department
Asian Development Bank
Foreword
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