The generation of industrial and municipal solid waste is derived from the production of waste on a weight basis at the point of production. Environmentally Sound Management of Solid Wastes and Sewage-related Issues. The main purpose is to represent the production of solid waste produced by all types of human settlements activity. Generation of waste as an indicator is intimately linked to the level of economic activity in a particular country. It is also an indication of the patterns of consumption of raw materials.
Wealthier economies tend to produce more waste.
In many developed countries a reduction in the volume of waste generated is an indication of changes in consumption patterns with respect to raw materials and increase in recycling and reuse. This indicator is intimately linked to other socioeconomic and environmental indicators especially those related to income-level and economic growth. Some countries have set national targets for the reduction of solid waste within a specified time frame. No international agreements exists for reduction in solid waste production. The precise definition of what constitutes solid waste is variable, but principally it can be considered as that material which has no further useful purpose and is discarded.