Advancing Collaboration on Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Kitakyushu

World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) contributed to regional knowledge exchange on sustainable solid waste management (SWM), strengthening collaboration with key partners and promoting practical solutions for developing countries.

From 9-12 June 2026, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), in collaboration with JICA, organized a training workshop in Kitakyushu, Japan, bringing together government officials and practitioners from across Asia and the Pacific. The program focused on designing sustainable SWM systems and advancing circular economy approaches.

Recognized globally for its environmental leadership-and as one of TDLC's City Partnership Program (CPP) cities-Kitakyushu provided a living laboratory for participants to explore integrated waste management systems. Drawing on its long-standing collaboration with TDLC, the city showcased its experience spanning policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and implementation practices. The program combined expert-led sessions with site visits to facilities such as waste-to-energy plants, recycling centers, and landfill systems, offering practical insights into Japan's advanced experience.

As part of this collaboration, Rieko Kubota, Senior Program Officer at TDLC, delivered a presentation on the financial sustainability and bankability of municipal waste management projects. Her session highlighted the importance of robust financial and economic analysis throughout the project cycle, emphasizing cost recovery, long-term budget security, and informed investment decisions to implement sustainable municipal waste management.

The presentation also underscored key challenges faced by municipalities, including limited understanding of full waste operational costs and the need for stronger financial planning frameworks. It emphasized that identifying and managing the full costs of waste operation and service delivery is essential for designing viable and scalable investments in this sector.

Through active participation in this workshop, TDLC reinforced its commitment to partnering with leading institutions such as ADB and JICA and contributing World Bank knowledge to global platforms. The exchange across the institutions and participating countries provided a valuable opportunity to connect technical expertise with operational practice of each Development Partner, supporting countries in translating knowledge into actionable solutions.

As countries across Asia and the Pacific continue to face growing waste management challenges, such partnerships and knowledge exchanges remain critical for advancing sustainable, financially viable, and resilient urban systems.