Waste

Every item we throw away has a destination. Just think about plastic waste. Every minute, a dump truck’s worth of it enters our rivers or seas, threatening turtles, dolphins, and seabirds. When it eventually breaks down, it becomes microplastics that spread through water, soil, and even our food, putting our health at risk. 

But cities can change this story, by seeing waste as a resource, not a hazard. This means designing circular systems that keep materials in use, through repair, reuse and recycling. 

With smart infrastructure, circular business models, and producer responsibility, municipalities can decimate the waste that goes to landfills or incineration thereby decreasing their emissions and contributing to less use of natural resources.  

The benefits are clear: cleaner rivers and streets, healthier citizens, reduced use of natural resources, and lower climate impacts. Waste is not just a challenge but an opportunity – for cities to lead the way toward resilient, circular, and nature-positive economies.  

Do you need inspiration for your city’s waste policies?
Here are some of our top picks.