Improve society with systematic waste management

As Myanmar’s population grows, industries and manufacturing facilities are rapidly emerging across the nation. This increase in industrial activity has led to a corresponding rise in waste production, necessitating systematic waste management. Although most citizens adhere to waste disposal regulations set by relevant authorities, a significant number still engage in careless waste disposal practices.
Undisciplined waste disposal poses severe threats to society and human daily life. Careless individuals discard waste in inappropriate places, including drains, public areas, restricted zones, schools, clinics, religious sites, cultural properties, and even their own residences. Such actions not only degrade the environment but also create health hazards.
To address these challenges, the government adopted the Myanmar National Waste Management Strategy and Master Plan (2018-2030). This plan, developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation with support from the International Environmental Technology Centre of the United Nations Environment Programme and the IGES Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies, aims to create a sustainable waste management system.
The Strategy and Master Plan focuses on building capacity for sustainable waste management and promoting the development of a policy framework that transitions from conventional waste management to a sustainable approach based on the waste hierarchy and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle). This initiative aligns with other national environmental policies.
Key strategic goals of the plan include enhancing waste collection services and eliminating undisciplined waste disposal and open burning. It aims to improve the management system for hazardous and industrial waste in an environmentally harmonious manner. Emphasis is placed on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, as well as establishing a revolving fund for waste management.
Public awareness and education are critical components of the plan, raising awareness, encouraging people to follow systematic waste disposal practices, and enhancing the capacity of individuals and communities. Additionally, the plan includes monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with waste management regulations.
The Strategy and Master Plan is a comprehensive effort to improve society and the environment through systematic waste management. By addressing careless waste disposal practices and promoting sustainable management, the plan aims to protect public health, preserve natural resources, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
It is necessary to leverage public awareness for waste management. Schools at different levels need to educate students to follow systematic disposing of waste to be able to sustain their knowledge about systematic waste management. Every citizen has to follow the rules for a clean environment under the waste management strategy.