C40 Towards Zero Waste Accelerator

Accelerating actions that cut emissions through waste systems

Cities are designing waste out of their systems

Cities control a significant and high-impact climate lever: waste. A zero-waste approach can reduce emissions by 10-15%^[1] and create good green jobs.

Methane from food waste decomposing in landfills is 87 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years.^[2] Zero-waste cities have an immediate climate impact by diverting this organic waste to create energy and compost.

Meanwhile, instead of burning or sending materials to a landfill, construction debris becomes new buildings, and communities are enabled to reuse materials instead of single-use consumption. The C40 Towards Zero Waste Accelerator unites cities to help fast-track zero waste systems so that city leaders can cut emissions while creating good green jobs and circular economies for their residents.

Why cities are choosing to go towards zero waste

Global waste is the fastest-growing environmental pollutant

Better waste management could cut 10-15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Global South cities, this impact can reach up to 35% of overall municipal emissions.^[3]

Food waste and methane are fuelling climate breakdown

One-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, amounting to 1.3 billion tonnes every year. Food waste decays in landfill sites and produces methane, which is 87 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years. It also contributes to 25% of today’s global warming.^[4]

City leaders can have the authority to deliver zero-waste solutions

While many climate solutions depend on national policy or international agreements, mayors often have direct control over residential waste management and can rapidly implement changes that cut emissions. Cities committed to zero waste have the potential to avoid generating one million tonnes of methane annually through their commitments and actions.^[5]

Circular economy solutions create good green jobs

Cities are increasingly becoming hubs of innovation for the circular economy. Reuse, repair, and sharing-based activities are reducing waste, changing consumption habits, and keeping valuable resources in circulation for as long as possible, creating local good green jobs in the process.

What cities pledge through the C40 Towards Zero Waste Accelerator

Cities that join the C40 Towards Zero Waste Accelerator commit to two measurable targets by 2030:

Related

Waste Management

Around the world, sustainable urban waste management practices can improve public health and economic opportunity, promote equity and create resilient infrastructure. When approached holistically, waste and sustainable materials management can help cities reduce 15-20% of their emissions through reduction, avoidance, recycling, treatment and offsetting.

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Accelerator Reports

Discover how mayors and cities worldwide are delivering on their commitments to take urgent climate action through C40’s High-Impact Accelerators.

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UCAP Climate Action Implementation Programme

Supporting 15 cities in the Global South to implement Climate Action Plans and halve their carbon emissions by 2030, become carbon neutral by 2050, and secure a green, fair and equitable future for their residents.

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