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.
Zero Waste Europe brings together and represents the European municipalities that have openly committed to the goal of continuously reducing waste generation and improving waste separate collection and hence redesigning the relationship between people and waste.
The network of European municipalities towards Zero Waste comprises frontrunners in the field of waste resource and management such as the best performing entity in Europe, the Contarina district in Italian region of Veneto. However the aim of Zero Waste Europe is not only to give visibility to best performers but also to facilitate and recognise the commitment of those municipalities who, albeit maybe currently throwing unsatisfactory results, are firmly committed to consistently advance towards Zero Waste.
What we do
The Zero Waste Cities Masterplan
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.