In Asia, improved resource efficiency and decoupling of economic growth and resource consumption are imperative to addressing expanding resource intensity and the corresponding waste generation. In order to realise sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in the lower-stream, countries need to develop an integrated waste management system from a long-term perspective, taking into account the rapid population growth and urbanisation in the region, as well as considering the nexus issue between the waste sector and other issues such as climate change, and also specific waste streams such as e-waste, mercury and disaster waste.

On the other hand, resource recovery efforts are still limited in Asia’s waste sector, exemplified by organic waste which makes up the majority of the waste generated in the region. Many SDGs are closely relevant to waste and resource management, but it will take an institutional push to overcome any challenges to implementing the goals. What practical actions can be taken towards building a sustainable society? The discussion looked at this question through a resource management lens.

Oki Town in Fukuoka, Japan has achieved a high recycling rate for municipal solid waste centered on recycling of kitchen and human waste. With the proactive engagement of residents in planning and implementation, there have been tangible results. Key to this success were cost reduction and improved administrative services, as well as a sense of public service and participation.

From upper-stream, the trade-off between dissemination of low-carbon technologies and the resulting increase in resource use has emerged as a new challenge. In addition to life-cycle-conscious product design and development of supply chain for encouraging resource circulation, the role of the consumption side such as green procurement will be critical for improving resource efficiency.