Zero Waste Municipalities report (5th edition)
Across Europe, a different story is taking shape: one of hope, resilience, and positive transformation.
Communities are reimagining how we live in our communities and how we produce and consume materials — proving that change is not only possible but already happening in many parts of the world. Even in an era of overlapping crises, from climate pressures and limited resources to growing geopolitical tensions, the weight of what needs to be done can feel heavy and daunting. But instead of dwelling on the scale of the challenge, it’s time to highlight the momentum already building.
The actions unfolding across the continent remind us that real progress is not a distant dream, it is alive and advancing, community by community.
This is the fifth edition of the State of Zero Waste Municipalities Report. As ever, it showcases data-driven progress and first-hand stories from those leading European communities towards a more circular future. The past year has, once again, seen exciting growth in the number and quality of zero waste solutions being implemented by local authorities. This flagship Zero Waste Europe publication highlights how these zero waste policies have enabled communities to reduce waste, cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions, save money, and help build both social cohesion locally and new business models that are resilient to a turbulent global landscape.
Read the full report here.
Zero Waste Estonia Chapter:
Estonia has one Zero Waste Candidate City - the capital, Tallinn.
The municipality of Saku is involved in the STICT project on textiles waste prevention and management. In addition to this project, Zero Waste Estonia actively supports municipalities nationwide.
National and regional context
Estonia has undergone significant waste reform over the past 12 months. New national legislation emphasises improved waste collection, transparent data management, and higher fees for landfilling and incineration. The Single-Use Plastics Directive now requires public events to use only reusable dishes, cups, and cutlery, with plans to extend these requirements to other venues.
The country currently pays the EU over €20 million annually for non-recycled plastic waste, making zero waste strategies critical for municipalities seeking to reduce costs and comply with new regulations.
On the other hand, the national and Tallinn-specific legislation on reusable alternatives has had a mixed impact. While it has shifted public discourse significantly, the intended 25% reduction in plastic waste has not yet been achieved. However, the initiative has catalysed a cultural shift and spurred innovation in reuse systems.
Further collaboration with municipalities
Besides our involvement in ZWE projects, we continue to support municipalities through diverse initiatives:
Community projects: the CARE Project with the municipality of Lääne-Harju focuses on incorporating zero waste principles into local support services and resource management.
Capacity building: the Zero Waste Ambassadors Training equips municipal teams with zero waste knowledge. Training sessions have been conducted in 2024 in Saaremaa and Tallinn, and new groups are planned to be launched in Tallinn and Ida-Viru County in 2025.
Knowledge sharing: ZWEE partnered with Tartu City to organise the III Zero Waste Conference, bringing together experts to share sustainable development solutions.
2024 successes
Our Zero Waste Ambassador training in Saaremaa and Tallinn has been particularly impactful. This initiative strengthened our position as a trusted partner, leading to greater involvement in city projects.
Most notably, Tallinn has committed to embarking on its Zero Waste journey. Estonia’s capital has made significant progress in circular economy practices, opening its first circular economy centre and developing a network of over 10 municipal waste collection, reuse, and repair centres.
These zero waste initiatives have benefitted many communities and local groups, including:
Residents who gain access to waste reduction resources, helping them save money and adopt sustainable habits.
Local entrepreneurs who find new opportunities in repair, restoration, and upcycling, fostering green businesses.
Students and schools benefit from educational programmes and hands-on learning experiences at the new circular economy centre.
Community organisations collaborating on awareness campaigns, with some providing refurbished goods to communities lacking access to basic services.
2025 priorities
For the coming months, we will be focusing on:
Strengthen the visibility and recognition of the Zero Waste Estonia brand nationwide, positioning it as a key voice in sustainability and circular economy discussions.
Increase public awareness and understanding of zero waste principles, including why they are important, and how communities and institutions can contribute.
Support and guide the City of Tallinn on its Zero Waste journey, while encouraging other municipalities to take similar steps through strategic engagement and peer learning.
Expand the Zero Waste Ambassador and Zero Waste Trainer programmes by launching new open training groups accessible to individuals and municipal representatives.
Deepen collaboration with businesses through training, consulting, and certification services, positioning zero waste as a practical and beneficial approach for the private sector.
