"The overlapping crises of our time present an opportunity to build more resilient cities by implementing zero waste models."

 

What is Zero Waste?

Zero Waste focuses on preventing waste before it’s created, emphasizing reduction, reuse, composting and recycling. The Zero Waste hierarchy prioritizes prevention at the top, avoiding false solutions like incineration or landfills, which only delay the problem. Zero Waste creates circular economies that benefit both the environment and communities.

Source: Zero Waste Europe

 

Why Zero Waste?

Zero Waste is crucial for a healthier planet and thriving communities. By reducing waste, we lower greenhouse gas emissions,such as methane, and conserve natural resources. The benefits extend beyond environmental impact, creating green jobs, strengthening local economies, and fostering social equity. Embracing Zero Waste promotes common well-being by ensuring cleaner, more resilient cities, where communities thrive without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.

 
73%

increase in global waste generation is projected by 2050

Zero waste prioritizes waste prevention, and reducing waste disposal in landfills and incinerators.

600 billlion USD

health costs yearly

Zero waste prioritizes waste prevention, and reducing waste disposal in landfills and incinerators.

80%

waste separated at source

Zero waste systems have achieved
high rates of waste segregation.

70%

reduction in waste management costs

Municipalities can reduce costs per tonne of waste by implementing better collection and recycling / composting systems.

25%

drop in food production by 2050

IPCC estimates lower crop yields due to land degradation and climate change. Composting helps restore soils, prevent erosion, and build resilient food systems.

20 million

waste pickers worldwide

Zero waste systems improves the working
conditions of waste pickers.

95%

reduction of waste methane emissions

Through composting and zero waste practices, the world could reduce 95% of waste methane emissions.

1 trillion USD

is lost every year due to food waste

Investments in zero waste will recover food for people, not landfills.

200 times

more jobs are created from reuse

Recycling and reuse create more jobs (70-200) than landfills and incinerators.

 

How to implement Zero Waste?

Zero Waste is rooted in climate justice, ensuring that the communities most impacted by waste and pollution lead the way in designing and implementing solutions. 
Grassroots organizations are at the heart of this shift, demonstrating regenerative models that prioritize organic waste and soil health, while building local livelihoods and interconnecting citizens, cities, and movements. 
Collaboration among local groups, governments, and technical partners strengthens shared commitments and helps scale these community-driven solutions—grounding them in a global climate movement that aims for a socially just, zero carbon world.