Japan has emerged as the world leader in waste management, while Israel, Chile, and the United States rank among the worst-performing countries, according to the Global Waste Index 2025 released by Slovak-based waste technology company Sensoneo. The report, which ranks all 38 OECD member states based on their waste generation and disposal practices, highlights significant disparities in global waste management.
Sensoneoâs index evaluates countries on per capita waste generation, recycling, incineration, and landfill use. Israel and Chile ranked last and second-to-last, respectively, primarily due to their heavy reliance on environmentally damaging landfilling practices.
Israel sends 524 of the 650 kilograms of waste it generates per person each year directly to landfills. Chile recycles just 1% of its waste and sends more than 95% to landfill.
The United States, which increased its per capita waste generation from 811 to 951 kilograms since 2022, remains the highest generator of municipal solid waste globally. The U.S.
Disposes of nearly half of that â 447 kilograms â in landfills annually. Neighboring Canada also performed poorly, landfilling 67% of its annual 694 kg per capita waste.