Hi there, dear Reader!

February may be the shortest month, but there’s plenty happening!

This month, we’re sharing inspiring stories and game-changing actions that are reshaping how we live and manage our communities.

We’ll explore the untapped potential of bio-waste in the EU with the #LIFEBIOBEST guidance and inviting you to join us at the Zero Waste Festival in Barcelona to connect with the zero waste movement across Europe!

On the ground, communities are driving change, from residents near incinerators sharing their experiences to the successful initiatives against single-use plastic in Catalonia.

Highlight of the month

New guidance to boost EU bio-waste management – Time for action!

The #LIFEBIOBEST project has just released new guidance to help the EU step up its bio-waste management effort!

With 18 Member States at risk of missing their 2025 recycling targets and 74% of kitchen waste still being burned or buried, the time for change is now. Our latest guidance offers a clear roadmap for policymakers, waste management organisations, and technical practitioners at all governance levels, focusing on three key areas:

Scaling up effective separate collection and recycling models
Building strong, reliable markets for compost and digestate
Strengthening monitoring and enforcement of bio-waste regulations

To make these insights even more accessible, we’ve also created an explainer video, available in 11 languages, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities in bio-waste management.

Let’s turn bio-waste into a resource! Check out the guidance and video now.

Want more #ZeroWasteCities?

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

Discover how two Catalan cities engaged citizens, businesses, and local governments in initiatives to reduce single-use plastics with the Elevating Reuse In Cities (ERIC) project. Watch the video!

Join us for the Zero Waste Festival in Barcelona! Hosted as part of our activities around the 2025 UN International Zero Waste Day, this year’s festival takes place on 26-27 March. Register before 13 February to enjoy a 50% discount using the code FESTIVAL_50! Get your tickets and more info here.

Watch the stories of communities across Europe living near incinerators as they use biomonitoring research to uncover the true toxic toll of waste burning.

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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