UNITED NATIONSECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFICSTATISTICAL INSTITUTE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (SIAP)

Solid Waste Accounting(e-Learning course)
26 July – 20 August 2021
GuidelineI.

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

Decreasing and properly managing solid wastes are priorities for many countries. These priorities
are also reflected in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which callfor substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse, aswell as for proper management of all kinds of waste. Solid wastes can have a negative impact onwell-being. Data on solid waste generation and management by different actors in the economy arenecessary to inform policies not only for the management of waste, but also policies related tocircular economy, resource use and ecosystems. This short course focuses on solid waste statistics
and accounts. The solid waste accounts are based on the System for Environmental-Economic
Accounting-Central Framework (SEEA-CF).
II.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

The target audience are officials in national statistical offices, line ministries (especially ministriesof environment) and other institutions who are working on waste-related issues. The course can also
be useful to a wider audience who is interested in learning more about solid waste flows andmanagement.
III.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, participants will be expected to:
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IV.

learn the concepts and methodology used for solid waste accounting
understand which data sources countries use to compile solid waste accounts
understand how solid waste accounts contribute to developing policies on solid waste

COURSE DESIGN AND CONTENT

The course is comprised of a self-paced online module and webinars. The self-paced online module
is expected to take about 2 hours to complete. The webinars will provide an overview of the course
topics and allow for participants to ask questions. Countries who have compiled solid waste1accounts will also share their experiences during the webinars. Furthermore, participants areencouraged to actively participate in the online forum of the course. Topics for discussion will beposted on a regular basis, and participants are invited to share their views/comments/questions.
The course will be conducted in English.
OutlineCoverage of self-paced online module•••••••V.

Why compile solid waste accounts
Review of accounting basics
Accounting concepts relevant to solid waste accounting
Data sources for compiling solid waste accounts
Country examples
Applications to the SDGs
Case studies

EVALUATION

Participants must receive a 70% or higher in the test at the end of this course.
Participants may take the exam up to three times and retain their best score. Participants may notwork together on the test. The course facilitator reserves the right to deny course certificates toparticipants suspected of cheating on the test. The supervisor is expected to ensure the test is taken
in his/her presence.
VI.

FOLLOW-UP PHASE

Following the completion of the training and depending on resource availability, in-kind support
will be made available to countries interested in compiling waste statistics, accounts and indicators.
Further details on the follow-up phase will be provided during the course.

VII.

SOURCE MATERIAL

This course draws upon various sources, including international statistical standards and casestudies from national statistical offices.

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