approximately 1.3 billion tonnes per year, and are expected to increase to approximately 2.2 billion tonnes per year by 2025. This represents a signif-

icant increase in per capita waste generation rates, from 1.2 to 1.42 kg per person per day in the next fifteen years. However, global averages are broad

estimates only as rates vary considerably by region, country, city, and even within cities.

MSW generation rates are influenced by economic development, the degree of industrialization, public habits, and local climate. Generally, the higher the

economic development and rate of urbanization, the greater the amount of solid waste produced. Income level and urbanization are highly correlated and as disposable incomes and living standards

increase, consumption of goods and services corre- spondingly increases, as does the amount of waste generated. Urban residents produce about twice as

much waste as their rural counterparts.

Waste Generation by Region Waste generation varies as a function of affluence,

however, regional and country variations can be significant, as can generation rates within the same city. when Africa is mentioned as a region, we refer to Sub-Saharan Africa. Data are particularly lacking for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Waste generation in sub-Saharan Africa is approxi- mately 62 million tonnes per year. Per capita waste generation is generally low in this region, but spans a wide range, from 0.09 to 3.0 kg per person per day, with an average of 0.65 kg/capita/day. The countries

with the highest per capita rates are islands, likely due to waste generated by the tourism industry, and a more complete accounting of all wastes generated. The annual waste generation in East Asia and the Pacific Region is approximately 270 million tonnes per year. This quantity is mainly influenced by waste generation in China, which makes up 70% of the regional total.cost of virgin materials and their environmental impact increases, the relative value of secondary

materials is expected to increase.