Hi there, dear Reader!

Nothing looks like it’s growing in February, but beneath the surface, a lot is happening. This month, we explore how food waste prevention and collection could be managed differently, with food producers playing a stronger role.

You’ll also find key dates to save: upcoming zero waste trainings, as well as the International Day of Zero Waste, this year putting the spotlight on food waste.

Highlight of the month

What if food producers helped cities tackle food waste?

It drives 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while EU citizens waste 129 kg of food per person every year.

Although separate bio-waste collection became mandatory in 2024, cities are still struggling: only 26% of kitchen waste is captured, and just 15.1 million tonnes of food waste are collected annually, far below the 60 million tonnes potential.

Could Extended Producer Responsibility for Food Products (EPRFP) help cities close this gap?

A new study by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and Zero Waste Europe shows how EPRFP could support cities by sharing the financial and operational burden of food waste prevention and collection with food producers, those best placed to influence waste generation in the first place.

Want more #ZeroWasteCities?

We have compiled a short list of things you might find useful:

Interested in learning how cities can achieve zero waste and circular economy principles? Mission Zero Academy is preparing the training "How to Build a Zero Waste City" for April 2026. Leave your email to get updates. Registration opens February 18.

Facing massive tourist waste, the Croatian island of Krk rethought management with prevention, multilingual communication and pay-as-you-throw, achieving top recycling rates. Read the case study.

The International Day of Zero Waste takes place on 30 March, with a month-long campaign focused on food waste. Events held between 1 March and 5 April can be featured on the UN’s global Zero Waste Day map. Registrations open soon.

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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