A new report from Zero Waste Europe highlights the shift underway in local waste management, showing that municipalities globally are increasingly prioritising prevention, reuse, and repair over recycling.
Through the projects ZWE coordinates and the Zero Waste Cities Certification, operated by its sister organisation, the Mission Zero Academy, cities covering 18 million inhabitants in Europe are being supported to implement zero waste solutions, as highlighted in the “State of Zero Waste Municipalities Report 2024”.
The report showcases many strong examples of zero waste in action. For example, a strong focus on reuse and repair is evident, with Tallinn, achieving a 92 per cent return rate for reusable tableware at city events and establishing over 10 municipal reuse and repair hubs, and Komunala Škofja Loka in Slovenia preventing 23,000 single-use cups with their rental service in 2024. Similarly, Zagreb has seen landfilling drop by 20 per cent and separate waste collection rise by 50 per cent, partly due to measures like banning single-use plastics in public buildings and increased door-to-door collection of materials.
Jack McQuibban, Head of Local Implementation at Zero Waste Europe, states: “This report aims to be a dossier of hope. In these tough times, we are still able to showcase the fact that there are a growing number of municipalities, from Accra to Amsterdam, implementing bold and ambitious local zero waste solutions, proving that progressive environmental action can and must remain top of the agenda.”
Across Europe, municipalities are advancing circular practices through ambitious targets, proven results, and growing cross-border collaboration. Amsterdam plans to nearly double textile collection per person, Catalonia is boosting textile reuse rates, and Italy’s Contarina leads with 90 per cent separate collection. The Statiegeldalliantie unites over 730 municipalities in Belgium and the Netherlands to support deposit return systems, and the 2024 Reusable Packaging Fair drew over 480 participants, underlining rising momentum for reuse solutions.
Maite Liekens, Reuse Project Officer at Fair Resource Foundation, states: “In a global political context where it’s easy to feel hopeless, it’s such an inspiration to see cities and municipalities time and time again take the lead towards a more liveable future for their citizens. They refuse to wait and be part of the problem, instead deciding to become part of the solution.”
Vanja Cicmil, Executive Director of Zero Waste Montenegro, states: “Our work bridges communities, businesses, and institutions in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for Montenegro. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, we are not just addressing waste but inspiring lasting environmental change that will benefit generations to come.”
Meanwhile, in Ghana, the Zero Waste Accra initiative by GAYO established a Material Recovery Facility that now processes half of the city’s waste and earned recognition from The Earthshot Prize.
The full “State of Zero Waste Municipalities Report 2024” offers examples that prove local action is driving systemic change.
Source: Zero Waste Europe
