Air quality is a key social, economic and environmental factor within the EU, as pollutants such as ground-level ozone (O₃) have significant impacts on human health, the environment and public costs. This new report, commissioned by the Methane Matters coalition, analyses the health and environmental effects of ozone exposure across the EU and selected Member States, based on the best available data from 2022. It also examines the role of methane (CH₄) in ozone formation and assesses the extent to which methane mitigation could help reduce ozone concentrations.
The findings show that ozone limit values continue to be exceeded in many regions of the EU, highlighting the need for complex, cross-sectoral policy measures. Overall, the report provides a robust evidence base to support policy action to improve air quality and protect human health and ecosystems.
Available in English.
In this interactive case study, we try to bring to life the work led by our member Zero Waste Montenegro during the #ForkToFarm project between 2024-25.
Montenegro continues to face significant pressure when it comes to its waste management, with organic waste central to this challenge as it represents around 40% of Montenegro’s waste stream. Most municipalities lack operational capacity and sufficient infrastructure for proper organic waste management. But this challenge is also an opportunity, given the speed at which decentralised, community-driven solutions can be implemented at a low cost to local authorities.
This case study combines data and qualitative analysis with visual footage and content of the work done by Zero Waste Montenegro over the last 2 years to improve the amount of organic waste which is composted rather than landfilled in its partner communities, which includes the capital city, Podgorica. It showcases the first working examples of decentralised organic waste solutions and their successful impact, with videos and interviews with the leaders behind these progressive policies.
(You can download the case study below in a ‘standard’ layout as well as in a PDF version of the interactive layout).
Case study available in English, Montenegrin, and French.
Zero Waste Europe’s latest policy brief proposes introducing an EU-wide cap-and-trade system for residual waste, i.e. the waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators. Rather than focusing solely on “not landfilling,” this approach would set clear limits on residual waste generation, rewarding countries and operators that reduce it and applying levies where it exceeds agreed benchmarks.
By capping residual waste, the proposal would drive waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, while simultaneously cutting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) linked to landfilling and incineration. A fair, transparent system of “passive trading” between Member States would ensure shared responsibility and accelerate the EU’s transition to a truly circular, climate-neutral economy.
Available in English.
Executive Summary in English and Polish.
Zero Waste Europe and 20+ organisations have signed a joint letter urging the European Commission to include waste incinerators and landfills in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by 2028. These major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must no longer be exempt from carbon pricing if the EU is serious about climate and circular economy goals.
Available in English.
This report, produced by Bankwatch in collaboration with Za Zemiata and Zelena Akcija, assesses the impact of cohesion policy funding on the capacity and progress of selected central and eastern European countries in building efficient waste management systems that will enable transitioning to circular economy in accordance with the EU’s new Circular Economy Action Plan.
In the first part of the analysis, the report focuses on spending allocation in the previous (2014–2020) and current (2021–2027) cohesion policy funding periods. In the second part, it assesses the effectiveness of the 2014–2020 cycle spending by analysing available country-level outputs.
Available in English and German.
Prepared by the Methane Matters Coalition, this paper emphasises the critical role methane plays as a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to about a third of global warming to date. It highlights that methane emissions must be significantly reduced—by 34% below 2019 levels by 2030, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals.
The paper critiques the EU’s current methane reduction strategies, pointing out gaps, especially in the agricultural sector, and calls for binding methane reduction targets across all sectors. It also stresses the importance of international cooperation and financial support to effectively mitigate methane emissions globally.
Available in English.
The Methane Matters Coalition, a consortium of European non-governmental organisations dedicated to securing emission reduction targets across various sectors, has prepared a comprehensive briefing for the new Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This briefing outlines essential steps for making methane reduction a priority during the upcoming legislative term.
Available in English.
The report addresses global waste management challenges, particularly methane emissions from landfills.
In 2020, 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste were generated, with 62% managed at controlled facilities and nearly half landfilled. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributes to global warming from biodegrading landfill waste. Traditional gas capture methods are often ineffective, prompting a need for improved strategies.
Biostabilisation, similar to composting, reduces methane production, rendering gas capture unnecessary. Mechanical Recovery and Biological Treatment (MRBT) enhances this by extracting recyclables from leftover waste, aligning with circular economy principles and effectively mitigating climate impact.
Available in English.