The cities that generate the most trash in the world.

(Baonghean.vn) - According to a recent study by the US National Academy of Sciences, New York is considered the most wasteful city in the world: it uses the most energy (on average, it consumes the oil of two oil tankers in 3 days), generates the most waste in the world (33 million tons per year), and uses the most water.

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, ranks second in terms of waste generation, after New York: 12 million tons per year. In 2011, Mexico City closed its largest landfill, impacting the collection, processing, and treatment of urban waste. Several initiatives have been implemented, such as allowing residents to buy and sell recyclable materials in exchange for fresh produce vouchers.

The third-largest generator of waste is Tokyo. Despite having twice the population of Mexico City, the city produces less waste thanks to its recycling program that reduces emissions.

Trash is everywhere in Naples, Italy. Photo: EPA

Mumbai (India) is the fourth-largest waste city, generating 11 cubic meters of garbage daily. Plastic bags and bottles clog drainage ditches, burning waste causes air pollution, and the rest is piled up in massive open landfills.

In Delhi, waste generation increased by 50% between 2007 and 2012. The problems of waste and smog could make it the dirtiest city in the world.

In Jakarta, one of the world's most developed cities, many residents regularly throw household waste into the nearest waterways. Every day, 100 tons of garbage are collected on the beaches of islands located 5 miles from the mainland.

In Cairo (Egypt), each person generates 625 kg of solid waste per year. This doesn't even include the disruption to feeding pigs with leftover food due to an outbreak of avian influenza.

On a national level, the United States is the world's largest producer of waste, averaging 2.58 kg per person, significantly higher than other wealthy nations like Japan, the UK, and France. According to a report by the bottled water company Nalgene, the five most wasteful cities in the US are Houston, Cleveland, Atlanta, Tampa, and Indianapolis.

In China, population growth has led to a doubling of waste generation. According to the Globe and Mail, China generates an average of 1.12 kg of waste per person per day, 10% more than Ontario, even though its GDP per capita is six times lower.

A city's waste problem depends on how it disposes of its garbage. Without proper waste collection infrastructure, it will be dumped in rivers, canals, and streets, resulting in unsanitary conditions like those seen in Bangalore and Delhi.

Currently, many cities are seeking and implementing effective policies to help reduce waste and consumption.

Thanh Hien

(According to The Guardian)