| |
| |
New year, new visions for the future! As always, we're turning the page to the new year with our first blog of 2026, all while joining in on the celebration of International Zero Waste Month. Read on to explore our publications on a healthy circular economy and EPR for food products, as well as a new media investigation into misleading plastic recycling claims.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| New year, clear choice: we’re not racing to the bottom | |
In 2026, we're here to create lasting systems, economies that work for people, and a future worth inheriting. How's that for clearly setting our intentions?
In our start-of-the-year blog, Zero Waste Europe's Executive Director Esra Tat lists our priorities and commitments for the coming year. From expanding our global work to continuing our efforts to make the Circular Economy Act a foundation for a healthy, functioning economy, one thing is for sure: ZWE is focused on creating a future for all, built on the evidence and needs of local communities.
We're not interested in races to the bottom. And neither should you be.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Webinar: Carbon pricing and waste management – aligning climate action with social equity | |
On 12 February 2026, our zero pollution expert Janek Vähk will join the upcoming be Waste Wise webinar on tackling one of the most pressing regulatory shifts within EU waste management. As emission trading schemes expand into new sectors, the potential inclusion of the waste sector raises critical questions around design, fairness, and social impact.
This session will explore how carbon pricing can be applied to waste management in ways that cut emissions effectively while shielding citizens from undue costs. In the EU, the European Commission is currently considering including incinerators – and possibly other activities such as landfilling – in carbon pricing. Janek and a panel of experts will discuss practical policy approaches to ensure a just and equitable transition to low-carbon waste management. Together, they will examine what’s feasible and, crucially, how to avoid public backlash.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| New video: Bringing the movement together to build change and combat methane from waste | |
| |
| |
IZWM 2026: Funding the zero waste revolution | | This January, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has been marking the International Zero Waste Month 2026 (IZWM). What began as a grassroots initiative in the Philippines in 2012 has turned into a global movement, with over 1000 organisations in 90 countries showing that zero waste isn't a fringe dream, but a tested solution that requires appropriate financing to scale. Throughout the month, we've explored barriers and false solutions, as well as community-led initiatives and the people leading the charge – proving that these systems are the most effective place to direct global investment. The month-long celebration is culminating with the Zero Waste Feature Marathon 2026, a 24-hour hybrid broadcast featuring member stories, expert discussions, youth and community leadership, and regional takeovers. | | #RefuseSingleUseDay: Breaking away from throwaway culture | | On 6 January 2026, as part of the second week of IZWM, we marked #RefuseSingleUseDay together with the wider movement to shine a spotlight on the harmful impact of single-use items on our environment. This global day of action reminds us of the urgent need to break away from "throwaway culture" and the systemic barriers that keep us locked into a cycle of waste. Across the globe, communities showed that the solution isn't just about individual lifestyle changes, but about demanding a shift toward reuse and refill systems. By exposing how single-use plastic is inseparably linked to the fossil fuel industry, GAIA members highlighted that true progress requires closing the tap on plastic production and redirecting investment into durable, community-led alternatives.
| | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Building a healthy circular economy: Integrating chemicals, products, and waste under the Circular Economy Act | | | End of Waste Criteria to achieve a Toxic-Free Circular Economy in the EU | | | |
| The case for Extended Producer Responsibility for food products | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| Zero Waste Alliance Ukraine: How Russian fuel feeds the world of plastic – a study of the correlation between fossil fuels and plastic | | | CEE Bankwatch: From cost to value – How EU funds can boost bio-waste circularity in Central and Eastern Europe from 2027 | | | |
| The Guardian: Europe’s supermarket shelves packed with ‘misleading’ claims about recycled plastic packaging | | | Voxeurop: Ghost recycling – how Big Oil re-brands and sells fossil fuel as green plastic | | | |
| |
| |
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. | | | |
Copyright © 2026 Zero Waste Europe, all rights reserved.
You are receiving this e-newsletter because you opted in via our website, our social media networks, or expressed interest to a member of our team. | |
| |
| |
| |
.png)
_(3).png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
_(1).png)
.png)
.png)
