This report has been prepared based on previous work by Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) as part of our New Financing Models programme. It documents our exploration of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) as an alternative funding mechanism for environmental and social initiatives. The findings in this paper reflect over two years of research and practical experience in developing new financing models for zero waste solutions.
The report examines our experience in exploring SIBs, including our successes and setbacks, and explores how it can be used as an innovative tool to help foster new standards in Europe for the circular economy and social welfare.
Available in English.
This report presents the findings of the second phase of a multi-year biomonitoring study (2023–2025) conducted in 8-11 May, 2024.
The research focuses on the deposition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins (PCDD/F/dl-PCB), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), PFAS, and heavy metals (HM), in the vicinity of the Cementáreň Turňa nad Bodvou cement plant in the Košice Region of Slovakia.
By assessing pollution levels, this study provides critical data to address environmental and public health impacts in the area.
Available in English.
The quality of bio-waste impacts the production of compost and digestate. LIFE BIOBEST‘s Deliverable 5.3 aims to establish unified quality standards for bio-waste entering the recycling process in the European Union Member States in alignment with the Waste Framework Directive.
The document draws conclusions from the various approaches currently adopted by EU MS, including methodologies for the analysis of bio-waste composition as well as the definition of control or limit values for impurities. Furthermore, consultation with experts in bio-waste management helped shape the recommendations.
Available in English.
LIFE BIOBEST‘s Deliverable 2.3 evaluates contextual factors that affect bio-waste management. The assessment matrix consolidates various contextual factors, providing in-depth descriptions of each. The factors are then placed alongside recommendations and six theoretical scenarios, which stakeholders can use to compare to their own context.
Available in English.
Written by Zero Waste Europe’s Founder, Joan Marc Simon, and published by Break Free From Plastic, this study critically examines 30 years of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Europe and around the globe, revealing its successes and limitations.
While EPR has mobilized resources for waste management, it has struggled to reduce waste generation, promote reuse, and ensure full cost coverage. The report offers a reimagined approach to EPR—one that prioritises waste prevention, fair compensation for waste workers, and transparent governance, aiming to make EPR a true catalyst for sustainability within planetary boundaries.
Key takeaways:
– While EPR has successfully mobilised resources for waste management, it has not led to a reduction in waste generation. In many cases, waste volumes and absolute environmental impact have increased despite EPR implementation.
– EPR systems have generally improved collection and recycling rates in those places where legislation has provided the right guidance, but have struggled to promote waste prevention and reuse or discourage waste disposal (landfilling or waste burning technologies).
– The implementation of EPR in the Global South faces unique challenges, particularly in ensuring fair prices for waste workers and integrating informal sector workers.
– Governance issues, including lack of transparency, compliance with guidelines and conflicts of interest, have hindered the effectiveness of many EPR systems in delivering the best environmental and social outcome.
Available in English.
The global fashion industry has seen unprecedented growth in recent decades, leading to staggering amounts of textile waste being discarded: 16 kg of textile waste per EU citizen each year.
The surge in fast fashion consumption has created significant environmental and social challenges, particularly at the local level, where cities are grappling with mounting textile waste and the subsequent economic cost and environmental pollution. Moreover, as of 2025, municipalities are obliged to separately collect textile waste, presenting a significant challenge given the current insufficient textile collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling capacities in much of Europe.
This paper looks at the measures that cities can take to tackle the challenges of fast fashion. To address the problem, some cities are beginning to explore the concept of sufficiency, furthering consumption and human well-being within planetary boundaries.
Full report, executive summary, and infographic available in English.
This first edition of the European Reuse Barometer reveals a rapidly growing reuse industry in Europe, highlighting significant advancements in reusable packaging solutions across sectors such as takeaway, retail, and e-commerce. Key findings indicate that the industry is buoyed by engaged consumers, with 78% of solutions reporting return rates above 75%, showcasing strong consumer commitment. However, the report emphasises the need for legislative support and financial investment to sustain this growth and overcome challenges such as high operational costs and competitive pricing with single-use packaging.
Despite the promising growth, the report underscores the urgent need for streamlined and unified efforts to enhance the reuse ecosystem. Recommendations include increasing consumer engagement through awareness campaigns and restrictive single-use packaging policies, setting ambitious policy frameworks to incentivise reuse, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to build shared infrastructure. By addressing these critical areas, the European Reuse Barometer aims to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and economically viable reuse system across Europe.
Report available in English.
This report highlights the critical role of public authorities in advancing reuse systems for takeaway packaging. The report, developed in partnership with Eunomia Research & Consulting, shows that switching from single-use to reuse could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower hidden costs like litter and carbon impacts. Case studies in Aarhus and Berlin reveal that small vendors may save on costs, while large businesses could face initial higher expenses. To level the playing field and unlock the full potential of reuse, the report calls for strong policy interventions such as levies, reuse targets, and bans on single-use packaging.
Full report available in English.
Executive Summary available in French, Portuguese, Croatian, and Dutch.
Chemical experts have told the EU that it must ban polyvinyl chloride (PVC) if it wants to comply with its own laws.
The move by ClientEarth, European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and Zero Waste Europe, comes after the three NGOs analysed a 2023 report by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) concerning PVC and the danger this plastic and its additives pose.
Used in everything from flooring and pipes to packaging and toys, PVC is one of the world’s most produced and widely used types of plastic. But it is associated with a variety of environmental and health problems, including cancer, reproductive impairment and birth defects. Like PFAS, tiny particles of PVC end up in the environment and remain present for long periods of time.
Available in English.
A significant discrepancy has been uncovered in Spain’s plastic bottle recycling data, revealing that the actual separate collection rate is a mere 36%, far below the 71% claimed by Ecoembes and the 70% target mandated by Spanish law for 2023. This alarming revelation comes from a detailed report by Eunomia, commissioned by Zero Waste Europe and the Spanish Zero Waste Alliance (Alianza Residuo Cero), highlighting the urgent need for a Deposit Return System (DRS) to meet legal recycling targets and address data transparency issues.
This report points to significant flaws in current data collection and reporting methods. Stakeholders, including Zero Waste Europe and the Zero Waste Alliance, are now pressing the Spanish Minister of Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, to acknowledge the non-compliance and implement a DRS. Such systems, already effective in over 50 regions globally, could ensure the recycling of up to 90% of beverage containers, positioning Spain back on track to meet its environmental commitments.
Available in English and Spanish.
The “True Toxic Toll” campaign is back with the most recent findings on the harmful impact of incinerator emissions on human health and the environment.
This report showcases the results of a multi-year biomonitoring research by ToxicoWatch Foundation on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the surrounding environment of a waste incinerator in Zubieta (Spanish Basque Country region).
The research reveals high levels of dioxins and PFAS in backyard chicken eggs, mosses, and pine needles near the incinerator, indicating contamination. The report highlights the need for further investigation into the sources of these pollutants and their impact on public health.
Available in English.
This second chapter of our two-part series on textiles sketches out what a truly circular and toxic-free system for textiles looks like. The report investigates the current barriers to circularity, identifies solutions, and makes recommendations for policy measures in the EU.
The European textile sector, characterised by its staggering waste generation and significant environmental impact, is at a crossroads and requires immediate action to transition towards the circular economy. Key challenges include the environmental impact of production and health risks for consumers posed by the use of harmful chemical substances, fossil fuel-based synthetic fibres, and the release of microplastics. Furthermore, the low rates of local reuse, repair, and upcycling of textiles as well as the insufficient separate collection capacity hamper circularity.
Another significant obstacle is the insufficiency capacity for recycling in Europe; operations are often not economically viable due to a lack of design for recycling, investments in technologies for closed-loop recycling, but also the slow uptake of recycled content. Finally, the negative social and environmental impacts of exported second-hand textiles pose a huge challenge to regulators.
In the first chapter of this two-part series, ‘A Zero Waste Vision for Fashion – Chapter 1: All We Need Is Less’, we outlined that without a shift to sufficiency in the fashion sector, the industry is on track to exceed several planetary boundaries.
Executive Summary available in English.
Full paper available in English.
This 4th edition of the State of Zero Waste Municipalities Report looks back at 2023, spotlighting innovative local initiatives across Europe that promote environmental and community benefits. Despite facing urgent challenges, including record heat in 2023, this report aims to inspire hope by showcasing the progress towards zero waste cities. It celebrates the tireless efforts of local communities and their impact on creating a better, fairer, and more resilient future.
The “True Toxic Toll” campaign is back with the most recent findings on the harmful impact of incinerator emissions on human health and the environment.
The latest research conducted by ToxicoWatch on behalf of Zero Waste Europe analysed the persistent organic pollutants in the environment surrounding the REC Waste Incinerator in Harlingen, the Netherlands. This time, we analysed backyard chicken eggs; fruit and vegetables such as apples, cauliflower, and kale; and vegetation from the surrounding villages and settlements.
Among other findings, the results showed that:
– High levels of dioxins were found in the eggs of backyard chickens sampled within a 3 km radius of the waste incinerator.
– The PFOS level in eggs sampled from Wijnaldum, located 2 km from the incinerator, largely exceeds the limit imposed by EU regulations.
– There are high levels of aluminium in eggshells sampled from Wijnaldum.
These findings raise concerns about the region’s environmental health and the health of those living near the incinerator.
Available in English and Dutch.
The “True Toxic Toll” campaign is back with the most recent findings on the harmful impact of incinerator emissions on human health and the environment.
The latest research conducted by ToxicoWatch on behalf of Zero Waste Europe analysed the persistent organic pollutants in the environment surrounding a cement kiln in Turňa nad Bodvou, Slovakia. This time, we analysed fruit such as apples, figs, and grapes; backyard chicken eggs; vegetation; and dust, water, and sediments from the surrounding villages.
The results showed that:
– PFAs were detected in grapes and fig leaves; and PAH levels were found in apples and grapes;
– There were concentrations of dioxins, PAH, and PFAS in eggs, pine needles, and mosses;
– Eggs from backyard chickens in three locations exceeded the EU limit for dioxins.
– Elevated levels of PAH were found in roof dust.
These findings raise concerns about the region’s environmental health and the health of those living near the incinerator.
Available in English and Slovak.
Now is the time to build an effective EU policy framework for managing materials – one that will accelerate Europe’s transition to a circular economy, support a strong industrial strategy, and make it easier to do business in Europe.
This joint report by Eunomia Research & Consulting, Handelens Miljøford, Minderoo Foundation, TOMRA, and Zero Waste Europe sets out the components of a regulatory framework that will:
– Harness the power of the Single Market and sustain its unity, enabling a fair and competitive system for all: business, industry, and consumers.
– Minimise administrative burdens for businesses operating in the EU.
– Support a fit-for-the-future industrial strategy that keeps Europe internationally competitive.
– Safeguard the bloc’s material security amid geopolitical uncertainties and price volatility.
– Consolidate Europe’s global leadership in circular economy and digital product policy.
Available in English.
Paper and cardboard require functionalisation so that they can be used in contact with food. Functionalisation may include adding a barrier function to water, grease, gases, etc. This is mainly achieved through the use of plastic, i.e. the combination of polymer(s) + additive(s). Paper and cardboard food packaging are, therefore, not free from plastic. As such, most paper and cardboard packaging remain at the same level as “single-use plastics”, as defined in the European Directive on Single-Use Plastics.
The English version of this report by M. + Mme Recyclage was made possible thanks to the contributions of Ville de Paris, Zero Waste Europe, the Rethink Plastic alliance, and the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP).
Available in English.
Released for public dissemination by the LIFE BIOBEST project, this report consists of a homogenised dataset on municipal bio-waste management.
Originating from an investigation into the current status of data collection and reporting in the European Union, the publication contains data on basic information and boundary conditions for bio-waste collection and treatment for nearly all 27 EU Member States, as well as a detailed dataset exploring the collection per capita of food waste and garden waste at the municipal level for Italy, Denmark, and Catalonia.
Available in English.