Upon Slovenia's accession to the European Union (EU) in 2004, the country's focus on municipal solid waste management (MSWM) policy underwent a significant shift. It centered on implementing nationwide separate waste collection systems, incorporating mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plants, and planning for two large-scale incineration facilities, which faced delays due to local objections. The national government introduced regulatory changes governing the types of waste that could be landfilled, leading to the closure of roughly half of all landfill sites across the nation.

With a population of approximately 6.6 million inhabitants, Rio de Janeiro stands as the second-largest city in Brazil and the third-largest metropolitan area in South America. Around 22% of its residents inhabit informal settlements. Annually, Rio produces roughly 3.5 million metric tons of solid waste, with organic matter constituting approximately 27% of the total waste stream. Household waste is roughly composed of 50% organic matter. Despite the implementation of recycling initiatives and a centralized composting plant, Rio's recycling rate remains disappointingly low.

In the early 2000s, Hanoi faced a pressing environmental issue with widespread waste scattered throughout the city and illegal dumping in landfills, lakes, and water streams. Despite national strategies promoting recycling, only the informal sector engaged in recyclables collection. 

The Koshe-Reppie Dumpsite Rehabilitation Project was introduced in 2018, following the fatal collapse of the landfill at Koshe in March 2017.