Waste, the Circular Economy and International Development

Simon Penney is committed to effective waste management as a means of improving lives, protecting the environment and building resilient local economies.

Inadequate waste services are not only environmental problems. They can affect:

• Public health
• Water and soil quality
• Air pollution
• Flooding and drainage
• Greenhouse-gas emissions
• Employment and livelihoods
• Human dignity
• Community resilience
• Local and national economic development

These challenges are often greatest in lower-income communities, islands, remote regions and fast-growing urban areas with limited public services, infrastructure and institutional capacity.

The Founding of WasteAid

Simon’s commitment led him to co-found WasteAid with Rachel Wildblood and dedicated colleagues.

The organisation was established to share practical waste-management knowledge and support communities where inadequate services have serious environmental, social and public-health consequences.

Simon is no longer directly involved with or formally associated with WasteAid, but continues to support its purpose as a friend and champion of the charity.

References to WasteAid on this website describe Simon’s historical role and do not imply current authority to represent the organisation.

Waste Management as a Development Priority

Effective waste management supports:

• Cleaner, healthier communities
• Reduced pollution and environmental degradation
• Safer working conditions
• Dignified employment
• Local enterprise and economic activity
• Recovery of valuable materials
• Reduced greenhouse-gas emissions
• Stronger institutions and public services
• Greater resilience to disasters and climate change

Waste-management and circular-economy programmes should be recognised as an essential part of sustainable international development, not a secondary municipal service.

Inclusive and Locally Appropriate Solutions

Simon supports approaches that recognise local knowledge, culture, institutions, markets and economic realities.

Solutions should be developed with communities, not imposed on them, and should value informal waste workers, social enterprises, local businesses and community organisations.

Improved waste systems should create opportunities for dignity, safety, participation and fair economic benefit.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Simon welcomes collaboration with those interested in waste management, the circular economy and sustainable international development, including:

• Communities and community organisations
• Charities and NGOs
• Governments and public agencies
• Universities and research institutions
• Professional bodies
• Businesses and investors
• Technical specialists
• Development-finance institutions
• International organisations
• Philanthropic foundations

He is also developing initiatives that connect ideas, expertise, capacity and investment with practical opportunities for lasting impact.

Interested organisations and professionals are invited to contact Simon about research, programmes, partnerships, investment opportunities or technical assignments.