VNG International works with municipalities to turn solid waste from a daily struggle into a foundation for healthier, greener and more inclusive cities. Local governments hold the mandate and community knowledge to decide how waste is collected, treated, and financed. We support them as equal partners to build systems that last beyond external funding.
Why waste management matters
Poorly managed waste is more than a nuisance. It pollutes rivers and oceans, clogs drains and aggravates flooding. Open dumping and burning threaten public health, especially for children and vulnerable groups. At the same time fast growing cities, refugee hosting areas and tourist destinations generate ever larger volumes of waste that put pressure on local budgets and land. When municipalities have the tools and resources to manage waste properly, they protect public health, safeguard the environment, strengthen local economies and increase the resilience of their communities.
Our approach
As the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities and as a peer to local governments, we bring a wealth of experience in:
- Circular economy: We support governments and municipalities in transitioning to circular waste management models, promoting waste reduction, recycling, and the reuse of materials from reform, policy and strategy development to practical implementation.
- Waste collection and recycling: We help design and implement efficient waste collection systems, including sorting and recycling programs, to maximize resource recovery.
- Policy and strategy development: supporting with policies, strategies, and plans that align with international good practices and local needs, strengthening regulatory frameworks.
- Behaviour change: We foster public awareness campaigns and community engagement to encourage sustainable waste practices at the household and community level.
- Inclusivity: Our projects ensure that marginalized groups, such as informal waste pickers and women and youth, are integrated into waste management frameworks, promoting social inclusion, ensuring inclusive service delivery and creating employment opportunities.
A broad track record across continents
Our expertise extends to diverse contexts, including fragile and conflict-affected regions. We have successfully implemented solid waste management projects in countries such as Sint Maarten, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Libya, Uganda, Colombia and the Philippines. In Sint Maarten, we have played a pivotal role in advancing the island’s waste sector reforms.
Brochure
To learn more about VNG International’s approach to waste management, check out our brochure: VNG International’s approach to solid waste management (pdf, 2.6 MB)