We work on a wide range of projects and policy areas with the single objective of advancing the zero waste future for Europe. This holistic approach enables us to effectively influence European policy and the grass-roots implementation of zero waste projects.
What we do
The Zero Waste Cities Masterplan
The Zero Waste Cities Masterplan is a structured approach to take our cities on the journey to zero waste.
The Zero Waste Cities programme helps municipalities across Europe to transition towards Zero Waste Strategies. The project provides the tools, knowledge and expert mentoring required for municipalities to begin their journey to zero waste. Whichever stage your city is at the Zero Waste Cities Masterplan can help you take the next step towards zero waste.
Break Free From Plastic
Find out more about our work on plastic pollution
Plastic pollution has become a ubiquitous aspect of twenty-first century life. A form of pollution that will last for hundreds of years it has penetrated every aspect of our environment. Any serious zero waste solution needs to address this problem. We are working as part of the global Break Free From Plastic movement and the European Rethink Plastic coalition to tackle plastic pollution on a policy, city and lifestyle level.
The People's Design Lab
Find out about our project to redesign wasteful products
The People’s Design Lab project is an open platform to identify the most wasteful and least sustainable products in our lives. Members of the public are invited to submit the products that they deem to be badly designed, and are not compatible with a zero waste society. These products are then put to a vote and the ‘winners’ become the focus of redesign labs involving key innovators from across Europe.
Climate, Energy & Air Pollution
Find out about our policy work on climate, energy & air pollution
Zero waste Europe works for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution through zero waste solutions and supports local impacted communities to raise their voices against waste-burning sources of contamination, providing and advocacy platform to address relevant policy at the EU and international level and minimising any financial support towards such polluting activities.
Waste Policies & Best Practice
Find out about our policy work on waste and zero waste best practice
We work at the European level to push for ambitious waste policy which drives Europe towards a zero waste future. Out work on this also involves the monitoring and supporting of implementation in various member states. Work which is driven by our members who are actively involved in many projects at a city and national level.
Products Good Design & Plastics
Find out about our policy work on products good design & plastics
Good product design is a prerequisite to make zero waste a reality; it allows embodied energy to stay in the system for longer effectively preserving the value of materials and allowing for a circular economy that is resilient, creates local jobs and does not harm people.
Zero Waste Europe engages with citizens and municipalities to identify problematic design and mobilises designers, researchers, companies and policy-makers in order to find appropriate alternatives.
ECOPULPLAST
A LIFE project for a local circular economy recycling paper waste into plastic pallets
We support the LIFE ECOPULPLAST project recycling pulper waste into plastic pallets. The project uses recovered paper waste from facilities which use recovered paper to develop long-lasting plastic products, and avoiding the incineration of such waste.
The Case For Flame Retardant Free Furniture
A campaign taking on the toxic flame retardants in our furniture.
This campaign with partners from across Europe tackles the toxic flame retardants in our furniture which are doing more harm than good. We call for a clean, safe and circular economy.