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
Waste Policies
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. Our 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.
Cities & Communities
The Zero Waste Cities Programme 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.
Consumption & Production
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.
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.
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.
Chemical Recycling
Find out about our work on the new Industry buzzword
Zero Waste Europe is engaging with many stakeholders to better understand the impacts of this new industrial “fix”, and warning against unnecessary distraction from a circular economy and zero waste approach to waste management. We also launched a Chemical Recycling report.
Waste Trade
Find out about our work on waste shipment
Zero Waste Europe will work to highlight the injustices of the waste trade, while promoting real solutions to waste management at the city level, through increased traceability, a shift to a circular economy, zero waste societies and waste prevention across Europe in general.
Past Projects & Campaigns
Zero Waste Europe has been around a while, and there are a few projects and campaigns that we’ve worked on in the past that now lie outside our programme areas. See some examples below.
