This study analyzes the utilization of combustible renewables and waste in the world from the first oil-price shock in 1973 to 1999. The main findings are that the utilization of combustible renewables and waste to total primary energy supply (TPES) in some developing countries is still very high, even over 80% in some African countries. Combustible renewables and waste have a broader range of use in developed countries because they are used in different economic sectors. However, their use is limited to less than 3.5% of TPES in 1999. In developing countries, combustible renewables and waste are predominantly restricted to residential use. This study provides figures that suggest that developing technology for using combustible renewables and waste, and transferring existing technology and experiences from developed countries to developing countries, is an issue that should be explored and not shelved.