The Waste Flow Diagram (WFD) maps and visualizes municipal solid waste management systems, quantifying waste amounts, sources, and plastic leakage into the environment. Since its inception in 2020, it was applied more than 500 times and supported mainly city authorities in improving their municipal solid waste systems.

Using Material Flow Analysis (MFA), the WFD covers all solid waste management stages, from generation to disposal, enabling informed decision-making to enhance waste services and infrastructure. It also allows scenario simulations to evaluate potential interventions for reducing plastic pollution.

To support WFD assessments, a data portal has been created, featuring computations, graphic generators for Waste Flow and Sankey diagrams, and integration with the Waste Wise Cities Tool. It includes case studies, tutorials, and a forum for peer support. Additionally, a compendium summarizes lessons of worldwide WFD applications, showcasing diverse solid waste management realities and cultural practices.