This paper presents the environmental and economic benefits of global waste management systems in the context of zero waste practices. The study analyzed the waste management performance of 168 countries around the globe and evaluated their performance using the zero waste tool. The Zero Waste Index measures the material substitution potential of waste. This is done by taking into account the amount of materials recovered from waste, which potentially substitute the demand for virgin materials. By substituting virgin materials��� demand, we could potentially substitute the demand for energy, water, and avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.