The Global Waste Index 2025 created by Sensoneo, a leader in the digital transformation of waste management operating in 87 countries worldwide, reveals that significant differences remain in the amount of waste generated globally and in how it is disposed of. The Global Waste Index 2025 analyzes the waste management efficiency of 38 countries and ranks the world's largest waste polluters. The study was first conducted in 2019 and followed by the 2022 edition.
The Global Waste Index 2025 evaluates waste management efficiency and ranks countries in descending order, starting with those performing the worst. This comparative analysis is based on the most recent data available in each country. For the full methodology and the complete ranking of all 38 countries, please visit the Sensoneo website.
Alarming landfilling rates in North America
As in 2022, the country generating the most municipal solid waste remains unchanged: the United States has even increased its output from 811 kilograms to 951 kilograms per capita. Along with its neighbour Canada, both North American nations rank at the bottom in terms of waste management, with alarming rates of landfill disposal. The United States sends 447 kg of its 951 kg of waste per capita to landfills, while Canada has an even higher proportion: 67% out of 684 kg of all generated waste ends up in landfills.
Waste generation varies widely across U.S. states
California, the most populous state, tops the ranking with 1,781 kg of waste per capita. Florida follows closely with 1,511 kg, making both states the most wasteful. In contrast, states like Alaska and Rhode Island generate less than a quarter of that amount. The five least wasteful states are mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. These contrasts reflect differences in local policies, infrastructure, and public engagement in waste reduction.
Other findings of the Global Waste Index 2025:
- Austria recycles the highest amount of municipal waste, at 334 kilograms per capita, which represents 42%, even before the introduction of a national deposit return scheme.
- In Israel, 524 kg out of 650 kg of generated waste is sent to landfills and disposed of in a particularly environmentally harmful way — the highest amount among all countries analyzed.
- Three countries with the largest decreases in the amount of waste generated compared to the previous edition of the ranking were New Zealand (173 kg), Finland (128 kg) and Iceland (107 kg).
- From an environmental perspective, waste incineration is preferable to landfilling. However, in 12 out of 38 countries, more than 50% of generated waste still ends up in landfills — including in countries like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Switzerland is the only country that does not send any waste to landfill. Other countries with minimal landfill disposal include Belgium (1 kg), Finland and Estonia (2 kg) and Japan (3 kg).