UNU-FLORES and the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) have embarked on the collaborative research project, Data4Waste: A Resource Nexus Perspective on Data-Driven Waste Management. The project seeks to investigate and propose a data-centric approach for establishing a sustainable and efficient waste management system, building on the outcomes of four previous research projects on plastic and waste management conducted jointly by UNU-FLORES and K-eco.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), global municipal solid waste is expected to nearly double by 2050 compared to 2023, with urban centers bearing the brunt of this growth. In South Korea, where over 90% of the population lives in cities, managing waste effectively has become a critical and immediate concern.
The Data4Waste project will conduct a comparative analysis of big data systems for waste management in three European countries, namely, Germany, France and Italy, alongside South Korea’s data-driven waste management system. Based on a review of legislative and policy frameworks, technology infrastructure, governance and implementation of each country, the project will identify good practices and derive insights for efficient data management that can lead to effective waste management and resource recycling. The project aims to provide actionable recommendations for improving data management for waste systems across countries, which can accelerate the adoption of data-driven technologies for facilitating the transition to a sustainable circular economy.
Professor Serena Coetzee, who is leading the project, said: “We look forward to welcoming K-eco representatives to Dresden in October 2025 for a workshop that will bring them together with key stakeholders from Germany, and provide an opportunity to share experiences and exchange insights”.
