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We are excited to share our latest updates with you in this April newsletter - especially the takeaways from our annual Network-Wide Gathering, which occurred earlier this month in Ghent! We also bring you our latest publications, activities from our network, and opportunities to join the zero waste movement. Let's dive in!
   

#ZWEgathers: 2024 Network-Wide Gathering keeps our ambitions high and our eyes set on the future

In mid-April, Zero Waste Europe's Network-Wide Gathering (NWG) in Ghent united over 60 participants to represent their country and organisation as leading voices on zero waste matters in Europe. This annual event is essential for storytelling from the network, sharing best practices, and voting on key Board appointments.

Our Gathering featured energetic discussions and creative sessions on zero waste strategies. Highlights included discussions on zero waste cities in Asia, innovative textile waste programmes, and strategies on alternatives to incineration. These sessions showcased our current achievements and paved the way for future initiatives, especially in light of the upcoming European Parliament elections

For a deeper look at our Gathering in Ghent, check out our newly published blog post!

   
   

Zero waste news

     
#ForkToFarm: Hundred first days of new bio-waste obligation with (predictably) poor results

On 9 April, we launched our new campaign, #ForkToFarmThe launch date marked the 100th day of the EU's bio-waste obligation coming into force, begging the question: have bold actions been taken to enforce the new rules, or have our municipalities filled their kitchen bins and waste trucks with 'easy' solutions instead?

Unfortunatelybut not surprisingly—the implementation in Member States leaves much to be desired; the latest data suggests only 18% of EU bio-waste is currently being captured and treated effectively. And yet, we see a worrying trend, where cities are opting for compliance by introducing the cheapest and easiest optionputting large open street bins out for bio-waste. This is despite clear data showcasing how poor and ineffective these systems are.

We’re not satisfiedand neither should you be.

How can you support our call to ensure bio-waste compliance across the EU?

     
ZWE supports the 2024 Reuse and Refill Trade Fair

On 13-14 May, Zero Waste Europe will participate in the 6th edition of the Refill and Reuse Trade Fair in Paris, France, both as a partner and as a panellist.


The Refill and Reuse Trade Fair provides solutions to move away from single-use packaging in sectors such as hospitality, public procurement, fast-moving consumer goods, etc.

The fair and its activities can help visitors to develop bulk products, implement reuse solutions, support consumers in their transition to reuse and refill, or learn about the latest developments in this area.


Our presence and activities at the fair will include a panel moderated by our Reuse Systems Manager, Nathan Dufour, on the ZWE-led ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) and its shared reusable takeaway packaging model across European cities.

     
#LIFEBIOBEST webinar: regulatory and technical perspectives – driving progress in bio-waste treatment 

The complexity of bio-waste management can pose challenges for local authorities, especially those in the early stages, and particularly in ensuring the viability and quality of treatment processes.


The next LIFE BIOBEST webinar will uncover practical insights for advancing bio-waste treatment practices. We’ll delve into the technical aspects (from low-tech composting towards complex systems) and best regulatory perspectives to enhance bio-waste treatment technologies in various regional and municipal settings. 


More specifically, we will look in detail at: 

  • The various possible technological approaches to optimised treatment of bio-waste;
  • Quality assurance schemes for compost and digestate production;
  • Leveraging regulatory tools for economic viability and product quality of biowaste treatment.
Join us on 27 May 2024 at 10:30 CEST!

   
   

Changemakers

Each month, our ZWE Changemakers campaign shines a spotlight on one of our member organisations. In April, it's time for our member Fair Resources Foundation (formerly known as Recycling Netwerk Benelux) to take the floor!
   
     
The State of Zero Waste Municipalities Report 2023
Across the Zero Waste Europe network and movement, we believe stories have the power to change the world.

Did you know that, in 2023:
  • Catalonia identified and labelled 750 "menstruation-friendly toilets" across the region? 
  • 70 cities in the Asia-Pacific region committed to reducing their methane emissions from the waste sector by 70% before 2030?
These are two of the many success stories in the 2023 edition of The State of Zero Waste Municipalities. Published yearly since 2020, this is the most comprehensive overview of the work happening with municipalities to help them become zero waste—not only in Europe through ZWE and our member organisations but also globally through our GAIA colleagues.

Dive right in - and, after reading the stories in this report, we hope you’re inspired to begin writing your own.
FRF: Establishment of a new PRO for textiles
During the ZWE Network-Wide Gathering, our member Fair Resources Foundation (FRF) shared the exciting news that they had established Collectief Circulair Textiel, a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) in the Netherlands for textiles - a sector known for its heavy environmental toll. FRF's efforts are revolutionising how stakeholders view and handle textile waste, increasing transparency and governance.
EBM: Collective digital cleaning in Slovenia
Over the past weeks, Slovenians were invited to clean their devices and submit the excess gigabytes freed up on a dedicated platform. With this campaign, our member Ekologi brez meja (EBM) worked to raise awareness of the accumulation of digital waste and organise a collective action to reduce the carbon footprint.
   
     
   
   

Policy news

     
The true toxic toll: biomonitoring of incineration emissions in Slovakia and the Netherlands
Open letter – “Yes to an EU legislation on Sustainable Resource Management”
   

Other highlights

     
Plastic Podcast: what is a Zero Waste City, with Jack McQuibban
New carbon calculator for cities: where zero waste meets climate action
A recap of the UN International Day of Zero Waste campaign
How can foodservice platforms boost packaging sustainability and profits?
   
   

Want to collaborate with us?

     

Do you want to collaborate with Zero Waste Europe and its extended network, and contribute to a truly circular economy?

Check out our current opportunities for collaboration:

  • Events & Operations Officer - Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) is looking for an Events & Operations Officer (maternity cover Jun-Nov 2024) to join our team and work closely with the Head of Operations to build a smooth running of the ZWE office in Brussels.
    Deadline: 5 May 2024, 23:59 CET.
   
     
   

Zero Waste Europe gratefully acknowledges financial assistance from the European Union: Commission Directorate General (DG) Environment. The sole responsibility for the content of this newsletter lies with Zero Waste Europe. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the funder mentioned above. The funder cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

   

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