Zero Waste Italy started at informal level in 2004 during the Naples waste management crisis.

In 2004 the source separation rate was 17%. In 2018 it is 58,4%. Zero Waste Italy is a big part of this success.

At a formal level the network started in 2013 as non-profit organization. Its main results include: defeat of at least 35 incinerators proposals and promotion of connection to the global Zero Waste movement. In 2007, Zero Waste Italy asked the mayor of Capannori to become the first Italian municipality to adopting Zero Waste goals at formal level. The mayor accepted and a Zero Waste deliberation was approved by the city council.

Nowadays, 300 Italian municipalities have adopted the Zero Waste deliberation, thus covering 6.200.000 inhabitants.