After providing a summary of the key messages (5.1), this chapter seeks to understand the costs and benefits, including the difficulty of quantifying the costs of inaction (5.2) and the less tangible benefits to society of good waste and resource management. Finally, a discussion on how to decide on the appropriate financing model in a particular situation provides a ‘toolkit’ to serve as a basis for action (5.9). Sustainable waste management solutions need a reliable economic evidence base, and much more work needs to be done, both globally and in particular in developing countries. So action on waste management is an urgent political priority - waiting for better evidence is no excuse.