CASE STUDY 2: Zero Waste Cities Certification (European Platform)

Zero Waste Cities is the European zero waste initiative that supports cities and municipalities into the transition to zero waste. It is based on a European knowledge platform for local actors to implement best practices and guidance and recognition programmes for municipalities. It is run by Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) and its member organisations.

ZWE connects and supports a network of 35 local and national non-governmental organisations from across Europe that share common values and goals and work together towards a waste-free future.

Member organisations promote waste reduction in the zero-waste hierarchy, manage a network of zero-waste communities and share ideas with policymakers and businesses.

The programme aims to accelerate the transition to zero waste, especially in small and medium-sized cities, by implementing the latest EU legislation and a zero-waste strategy based on a citizen-centered model, leading to a significant reduction in waste generation and increasing separate collection and recycling.

According to the ZWE Platform, the five steps to obtain the certificate are:

• Expression of interest: that must be submitted by the municipality to the local partner of ZWE.
• Commitment: the municipality needs to create and present its certification roadmap, under specific requirements.
• Implementation: the municipality has a maximum of two years to implement and complete the Certification scorecard and submit evidence to the formal auditor to be certified.
• Certification: After a successful third-party assessment focusing on performance levels and impacts, the applicant municipality becomes a Zero Waste Certified City.
• Yearly improvements: After certification, the municipality must carry out annual improvements to monitor and improve the results achieved. This is subject to a new audit every three years to confirm the status of the certification. There is the possibility of upgrading under a 5-star system.