International Day of Zero Waste 2026; March 30th.

FORUM: “Food Waste.” International Day of Zero Waste 2026. This year’s observance focuses on food waste, a critical yet preventable driver of environmental harm. The world is wasting food at an alarming scale, undermining food security and slowing progress toward a zero-waste, circular future. In 2022 alone, approximately 1 billion tonnes of food, nearly one-fifth of all food available to consumers, was wasted. Food loss and waste represent a major climate and environmental threat. They account for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nearly five times the emissions from the aviation sector, and up to 14 per cent of global methane emissions. Tackling food waste is among the most cost-effective and readily achievable climate solutions, aligned with zero-waste approaches that prioritize prevention, resource efficiency and systemic change. Governments, businesses, and individuals must embrace zero waste to overcome the waste pollution crisis. UNEP and UN-Habitat call on stakeholders – including governments, civil society, businesses, academia, communities, women and youth – to participate in national, subnational, regional and local zero-waste initiatives. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #sdg12, #zerowasteDay, #30March.

Message from the UN Secretary-General on Zero Waste Day 2026.

Message by the UN Environment Programme Executive Director on Zero Waste Day 2026.

Message of UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach on International Day of Zero Waste 2026.

EVENTS: On March 27th, 2026 Starting at 15:00 PM. EST, For this year's International Day of Zero Waste, the High level event focus is on food – what we eat, what we waste, and how we can move towards a more circular future. The New York Observance of the International Day of Zero Waste 2026, facilitated in-person, serves as a platform to underscore the critical importance of collective action in driving forward zero-waste initiatives, to Increase knowledge about the potential of zero-waste solutions to promote sustainability and equity. With young entrepreneurs and communities' initiatives to Promoting zero-waste initiatives through this international day can help advance all the goals and targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Sustainable Development Goal 11 and Sustainable Development Goal 12. These goals address all forms of waste, including food loss and waste, natural resource extraction and electronic waste. Get the Concept note and register to participate!

Worldwide observance of the International Day of Zero Waste 2026. To celebrate the Fourth annual International Day of Zero Waste, offices and partners from around the world are invited to organize activities and events, including creative exhibits, panel discussions, social media campaigns, training sessions and waste collection drives. Explore the list of upcoming worldwide activities, conferences and workshops and the events maps!

On March 26th, 2026 at the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka, Japan, from 18:00 - 20:00 EST. Youth workshop: Less Waste, More Life; Organizers: UNEP, Swissnex. This interactive workshop invites young people to explore food waste not as an individual failure, but as a shared challenge shaped by culture, daily practices, and system design. Through reflection and dialogue, participants will identify small, realistic changes in their everyday routines that can help reduce food waste while enhancing quality of life. Register here

On March 27th at UN Headquarters, New York, from 15:00 - 18:00 EST; The Zero Food Waste Challenge: Breakthroughs and Innovative Approaches; Organizers: UNEP, UN-Habitat, Republic of Türkiye, Zero Waste Foundation. The UNEP and UN-Habitat, in partnership with the Republic of Türkiye and the Zero Waste Foundation, will convene a high-level event at United Nations Headquarters to discuss breakthroughs, innovative strategies and approaches to zero waste in food value chains. Stakeholders from across the value chain will share concrete approaches, strategies, technologies, trends, gaps and opportunities to significantly reduce food waste and loss. Watch live

On March 30th, 2026 at Room V, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland from 14:30 - 15:30 CET. Towards Zero Food Waste Through Multi-stakeholder Action. Organizers: UNEP, UN-Habitat, Geneva Environment Network, Türkiye. To mark the 2026 edition of the International Day of Zero Waste, leading voices from Geneva and beyond will join this panel to highlight progress in advancing the zero-waste agenda, with a focus on key initiatives to reduce food waste. As a major global hub for the governance of hazardous substances, Geneva is home to a wide range of international, intergovernmental, non-governmental, and private sector organizations working towards achieving zero waste, including in the food sector. Register here

On March 30th, 2026; Virtual event from 13:30 - 15:00 CET. Mobilizing Tourism to Halve Food Waste through Recipe of Change. Organizers: UNEP, UN Tourism. The High-level Global Roundtable, co-organized by UNEP and UN Tourism, will convene key tourism stakeholders to accelerate sector-wide action on food waste reduction and circularity. It will bring together policymakers and leading businesses to exchange practical solutions and align efforts towards their implementation through the Recipe of Change initiative. Recipe of Change offers a structured framework to support tourism stakeholders in translating global ambitions on food waste into measurable and reportable action. Through the initiative, partners assess and monitor food waste in their operations, implement operational and behaviour-focused solutions to prevent waste, and track progress over time to inform global monitoring and collective learning. Register here

On March 30th, 2026, Virtual event from 13:00 - 14:15 UTC. Zero Waste Starts on Your Plate: Beating Pollution of Food Waste led by Youth. Organizers: Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP, Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to UN-Habitat, Food and Agriculture Organization - Office of Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP One Planet Network. In the lead-up to the 2026 International Day of Zero Waste, the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP will convene a virtual event to foster dialogue, bridge perspectives, and take stock of key actions needed to advance the zero-waste agenda. Bringing together youth, experts, and stakeholders, the event will focus on promoting solutions to food waste and sustainable consumption, while strengthening youth engagement in global environmental governance. Aligned with the priorities of the United Nations Environment Programme, it will also serve as a platform to consolidate youth-driven recommendations and accelerate collective action in support of the International Day of Zero Waste 2026. Register here

On March 30th, 2026, virtual event from 12:00 - 13:00 CEST. Unlocking Climate and Investment Opportunities: Environmentally Sound Management of Food Waste; Organizers: Household Waste Partnership (HWP) of the Basel Convention, French Solid Waste Partnership (FSWP), International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), Secretariat of the Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions. Food and organic waste represent one of the fastest and most cost-effective opportunities for climate action available today. When mismanaged, they are a major source of methane. When managed well, they present a powerful opportunity for climate mitigation, public health benefits and sustainable investment, thus the webinar will explore how the environmentally sound management (ESM) of household waste, in particular food and other organic waste, can contribute to global climate goals. Register here.

On March30th, 2026 at the Zero Waste Foundation Headquarters, Istanbul, Türkiye from 11:00 - 13:00;Zero waste starts on your plate. Organizers: UNEP, UN-Habitat, UNDP, Zero Waste Foundation and Co-organized by UNEP, UNDP, UN-Habitat and the Zero Waste Foundation, the Istanbul Commemoration of the 2026 International Zero Waste Day, under the theme “Zero waste starts on your plate,” will bring together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations and key stakeholders to accelerate action on food waste prevention and advance sustainable consumption and production.

On March30th, 2026| Sanya, Hainan / Qingdao, Shandong / Nanchang Jiangxi, China, Offline | Online | from 08:30 - 18:30 CST. Mobilizing Urban Action for Global Goals Towards Zero Food Waste. Organizers: UNEP, UN-Habitat, Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Department of Ecology and Environment of Hainan Province. This event brings together international experts and city representatives to explore critical issues and innovative solutions in global solid waste management, with a special focus on advancing zero-waste city construction, food waste reduction, and international cooperation toward sustainable urban action. Register here.

On March31st, 2026 at the UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenyavfrom 12:00 - 14:00 EAT. TheSecond Life Table: A Communal Experience on Waste and Possibility; Organizers: UNEP, UN-Habitat, Republic of Türkiye. This event is a dynamic, cocktail-style installation that blends visual art, live culinary demonstration, and social interaction. Guests are invited to move through the space, engaging with the installation and each other throughout the two-hour activation, which opens with a panel discussion. At its core, the experience features a live cooking challenge where chefs transform commonly discarded ingredients and imperfect produce—sourced from Farm to Feed—into creative dishes, highlighting both household food waste and often-overlooked losses at the producer level. Through layered encounters of conversation, visual storytelling, and shared food, the event fosters reflection and dialogue on more sustainable food systems. Register here

Run your own physical and virtual events in the days surrounding Zero Waste Day to complement the theme. From March 1st to April 5th, you can organize your own event and have it to be featured on Zero Waste Day's global map. This could include everything from seminars and webinars discussing global waste issues, to repair workshops and cafés, clothing swaps, sustainable fashion showcases and exhibitions, clean ups and more. You can also visit the map to see other events you could attend yourself too! Register your event here and Explore the Zero Waste Day event map.

LIVESTREAM: International Day of Zero Waste 2026 High-level Event. For this year, the focus is on food – what we eat, what we waste, and how we can move towards a more circular future.

 

International Day of Zero Waste 2024; March 30th.

FORUM: “Reaching the zero-waste goal.” International Day of Zero Waste 2024. Climate change and conflicts are unfortunate examples of current interlocking crises. Being one of the aspects of these challenges, waste generation and associated pollution threaten the global environment and human health. Waste pollution threatens human health, costs the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars a year, and aggravates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution. Boosting waste management at all levels remains an urgent priority. To solve the waste pollution crisis, humanity must fully embrace a zero-waste approach. This entails responsible production and consumption patterns through promoting a life cycle approach. In 2020, the global direct cost of waste management was estimated to be at USD 252 billion. When factoring in the hidden costs of pollution, poor health and climate change from poor waste disposal practices, the cost rises to USD 361 billion. Without urgent action on waste management, by 2050 this global annual cost could almost double to a staggering USD 640.3 billion. However, the report’s modelling shows that getting waste under control by taking waste prevention and management measures could limit net annual costs by 2050 to USD 270.2 billion. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #sdg12, #zerowasteDay, #30March.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-general on behalf the International Day of Zero waste 2024.

Our planet is drowning under a torrent of trash.

Every year, humanity produces more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste. Rotting food, plastic bottles, chemical-laced electronics and much more is tossed away without regard for our water, land and air.

As trash decays, it spews planet-warming greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, poisons our water and soil, and inflicts illness, disease and even death among people around the world.

Overconsumption is killing us. Humanity needs an intervention.

Since last year, the Advisory Board on Zero Waste has been bringing partners together around this critical issue and what needs to be done to make zero waste a reality.

Businesses must rethink their products to minimize wasteful packaging and maximize longevity and lifecycle.

Consumers must think twice about the goods and products they purchase and recycle or reuse wherever possible.

Governments at all levels must build circular economies that address resource depletion and management and invest in modern waste-management programmes anchored in reuse, remanufacturing, recovery and waste prevention.

And the global community must stand as one and work towards achieving a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.

On this Zero Waste Day, let’s pledge to end the destructive cycle of waste, once and for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Remarks by the United Nations General Assembly President on behalf the Commemoration of the International Day of Zero Waste 2024; March 30th.

Your Excellency, Sedat Önal, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Nations, Ms. Ligia Noronha, Head of UNEP New York Office, Ms. Mr. Michal Mlynár, Acting Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by commending the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Türkiye, the United Nations Environment Programme, and UN-Habitat for co-organizing today’s event – marking the International Day of Zero Waste. We are all deeply appreciative of your ongoing efforts to promote zero-waste initiatives – contributing to advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I think it more than appropriate to pay tribute to the distinguished First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Ms. Emine Erdoğan, the protagonist and initiator of the Zero Waste project in her own country. It was the astounding success of this that motivated the General Assembly to the adoption of a resolution tabled by the Republic of Türkiye – declaring 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste.

Excellencies, The numbers and trends speak for themselves in describing the situation as nothing short of harrowing: 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually, around 931 million tons of food is lost or wasted each year, up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems,
and food loss and waste accounts for up to 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions – significantly contributing to the climate crisis. Without urgent action, it is projected that annual municipal solid waste generation will hit 3.8 billion tons by 2050. Moreover – if we cling to the business-as-usual mentality – we will have more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

Excellencies, Today – as we commemorate this important day – we urgently need to pause and rethink the unsustainable linear development model of “take, make and dispose” we have been so actively pursuing. It is high time we replace that model with sustainable practices of production and consumption to minimize our ecological footprint – including adopting a circular approach that promotes a resource efficiency model of reduce, reuse and recycle.

To achieve this, we must shift our perspective and accelerate our efforts to develop and implement zero-waste initiatives to foster the environmentally sound management of waste; the minimization of waste; and – where feasible – the total prevention of waste. Such a societal shift should not be a burden. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity not only to mitigate environmental harm but also to foster innovation, create green jobs, and promote social inclusion. It should also be viewed as an opportunity to invest in sustainable infrastructure, prioritize eco-friendly technologies, and empower communities to become true stewards of their own environment. Allow me to also reiterate the commitments made by the world leaders in the 2023 SDG Summit political declaration – which acknowledged the serious threats posed by plastic, air, and chemical pollution, and expressed firm support for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. I am also deeply grateful to share this moment with a youth representative. The youth are the change-makers. Their perspectives and actions are absolutely critical in our efforts to reach zero waste – and they deserve a say on such matters that have a life-changing impact on their future.

Meeting our zero waste objectives and targets requires a comprehensive multi-stakeholders approach, at all levels – from grassroots initiatives to national policies, from corporate boardrooms to international fora. Our approach must also square the circle to encompass policy alignment, knowledge sharing, capacity-building, resource mobilization, and technology transfer. Importantly – and in the true spirit of leaving no one behind – our commitment and indeed our transition to Zero Waste must be beneficial to all, especially countries in special situations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me close by reiterating that our commemoration today is rooted in a robust commitment to pursue and attain sustainability within the framework of the 2030 Agenda – through, among other things, converting to sustainable patterns of production and consumption. To this end, sustainability remains one of the core priorities of my Presidency – the full manifestation of which will be rolled out during the inaugural Sustainability Week I will be convening from 15 to 19 April. I envision that this Week of back-to-back high-level engagements will spark in-depth discussions on transport, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and debt sustainability and socio-economic equality – propelling substantial progress in these key sectors of the economy.

I further expect that Zero Waste initiatives – with their cross-cutting relevance across these sectors – will feature prominently in the discussions. Furthermore, it is my sincere hope that the harvest from this Week will both inform the deliberations of the Summit of the Future and accelerate momentum towards attaining all the SDGs. The journey towards Zero Waste does not by any means involve a simple unplanned destination – but rather, a continuous process of learning, adaptation and innovation. As the President of the General Assembly, I will play my part – and I call upon us all to harness the power of collective action and solidarity to turn the tide on waste.

I wish you all a fruitful discussion.

I thank you.

H.E Mr. Dennis Francis; United Nations General Assembly President.

EVENTS:  International Day of Zero Waste 2024 - To celebrate the second annual International Day of Zero Waste, offices and partners from around the world are invited to organize activities and events, including creative exhibits, panel discussions, social media campaigns, training sessions and waste collection drives.

On March 26th, 2024; The UNEP, UN-Habitat and partners will organize a webinar entitled "Zero Waste Futures" | Online | 10–11:30 a.m. ET, 4–5:30 p.m. CET, 6–7:30 p.m. EAT..The UNEP International Environment Technology Centre, the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office (CSRO) and the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG) will co-organize this online event targeting stakeholders across regions and oceans, especially youth and experts to promote the global shift towards zero waste. Register to participate.


South-East Europe Pollution Platform | Vienna & online | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CET (26 March); 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (27 March). The conference aims to facilitate and foster discussions on current and innovative strategies, possibilities, policies and practices that promote waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles to create a cleaner and healthier environment in the Western Balkan economies. Additionally, it will actively encourage collaboration amongst different actors and sectors, aiming to promote sustainable practices and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. Learn more and register.


On March 27th, 2024 - the United nations observance of the CR-12, starting at 10–11:30 a.m. ET will be held in United Nations Headquarters, New York. Member States and stakeholders are invited to share initiatives promoting zero waste at various levels to reduce waste generation and enhance responsible waste management.

UNEP/UN-Habitat observance  "Underscore the critical importance of collective action in driving forward zero-waste initiatives."| CR-4, United Nations Office at Nairobi | 3–4:30 p.m. EAT. The UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste will announce outstanding zero-waste practices during the event, which is co-organized with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Türkiye. Tune in. 

UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 launch | Online | 8:30–9:30 a.m. EDT, 1:30–2:30 p.m. CET, 3:30–4:30 p.m. EAT. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024 authors, government representatives, and food waste and loss experts share their expertise through discussions of the report’s key findings. Tune in.

The Geneva Environment Network; On March “30th; online | 2–3:30 p.m. CET | 2–3:30 p.m. CET for the occasion of the second observation of the International Day of Zero Waste, will held a webinar and in person-event will align with the objectives of raising awareness of national, sub-national, regional and local zero-waste initiatives and their contributions to advance the beat waste pollution agenda. This event will highlight the role of Geneva as a major global hub for the governance of hazardous substances and home to several international organizations and multilateral environmental agreements aiming at reaching the zero-waste goal, and will celebrate the steps taken by actors to move forward the zero-waste agenda. Register to participate to the event!

On March 30th, the GAIA will held a panel discussion entitled ‘‘The Year of Zero Waste: From Momentum to Action’’ | Online | 9 a.m. CET, 11 a.m. EAT, 1:30 p.m. IST, 9 p.m. NZDT. Policymakers, grassroots community leaders, climate and waste finance experts, and zero-waste implementers' discuss how to escalate progress on zero waste worldwide based on current trends, obstacles and proven strategies. Register.

On March 30th, a webinar entitled ‘‘Zero-waste City Construction: A sustainable action to beat waste pollution.’’ will be held Online | 11 p.m. EET, 12 p.m. EAT, 5 p.m. CST.City representatives from Australia, Brazil, China, Lebanon and New Zealand showcase practices of zero-waste initiatives in different regions. Register.

Get involved in the 2024 Zero Waste Month workshops, conferences and awareness campaign!

Week of 1 April - Global Zero Waste: Día Mundial Basura Cero | Online | 3 April; 9 a.m. COT, 3 p.m. CET: Global Zero Waste will host keynote speeches and share success stories and presentations of new challenges. Learn more.


Week of 11 March - Zero Waste Europe: Impactful policies | Online; The second week of Zero Waste Europe's month-long International Zero Waste Day campaign focuses on impactful policies. Learn more.


Northern California Recycling Association: Recycling Update | California, United States | 11 March; 8 a.m. PDT; NCRA's Recycling Update features 25 experts on the spectrum of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot, as well as networking opportunities and plenty of ideas. Learn more.


Week of 4 March - Zero Waste Europe: Prevention first | Online. The First Week of Zero Waste Europe's month-long International Zero Waste Day campaign focuses on prevention first. Learn more.

Explore the list of upcoming worldwide activities, conferences and workshops and the events maps!


PUBLICATIONS: Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 - In response to Resolution 2/7 from the second session (UNEP/EA.2/RES.7) of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and reaffirmed in Resolution 4/7 from its fourth session (UNEP/EA.4/RES.7). Jointly published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 report provides an update on global waste generation and the cost of waste and its management. Municipal solid waste generation is predicted to grow from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Only 62 percent of this waste is managed in controlled facilities. Some 2.7 billion people lack access to solid waste collection. Download the report.


STATEMENTS: Read the message of the executive-secretary of the UNEP for the International Day of Zero Waste 2024; March 30th.

LIVESTREAM

International Day of Zero Waste 2023; March 30th.

 FORUM:"Towards Zero Waste." International Day of Zero Waste 2023.

                    

The International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns and raise awareness on zero-waste initiatives contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Humanity generates an estimated 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which only 55 per cent is managed in controlled facilities. By 2050, this could rise to 3.88 billion tons per year. The waste sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in urban settings and biodiversity loss. Around 931 million tons of food is wasted each year, and up to 37 million tons of plastic waste is expected to enter the ocean annually by 2040.

The United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 2022 formally recognized the importance of zero-waste initiatives and proclaimed 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually beginning in 2023.

Zero-waste initiatives can foster sound waste management and minimize and prevent waste. This contributes to reducing pollution, mitigating the climate crisis, conserving biodiversity, enhancing food security and improving human health.

 EVENTS: The United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat will facilitate the observance of the Day. All Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to implement zero-waste initiatives at local, regional, subnational and national levels.

UN observance | CR-11, United Nations Headquarters, New York | 1:15–2:30 p.m. EST

UN-Habitat and UNEP observe Zero Waste Day alongside the Office of the President of the General Assembly and the Republic of Türkiye. The observance includes a moderated session featuring remarks from UN leaders and a keynote session from the Republic of Türkiye.

UNGA high-level meeting | General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York | 10 a.m. to 3 pm EST

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convenes a high-level meeting to provide Member States and stakeholders a platform to exchange experiences and success stories in solid waste management, including zero-waste initiatives.First letter from the President of the General Assembly
Second letter from the President of the General Assembly

UNEP/UN-Habitat observance | UN Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EAT

UNEP and UN-Habitat jointly host a moderated session to discuss the importance of Zero Waste Day and the benefits of zero waste. The observance is convened by the Governments of Kenya and Türkiye. Observance includes participation from government representatives, UN experts and representatives from various stakeholder groups.

UNEP/UN-Habitat Asia Pacific observance | UN Conference Center, Urban Engagement Space, Bangkok, Thailand | 9:45–11:30 a.m. ICT.

UNEP, UN-Habitat and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) host a fireside chat during the 10th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. Sessions cover food waste, greening the blue, the informal sector and waste management. A field visit to Chula Zero Waste Initiative at Chulalongkorn University follows the closing session. Event page and registration

Geneva Environment Network conference | Online | 1–2:30 p.m. CEST.

The UNEP-coordinated Geneva Environment Network hosts an online conference, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, featuring 10 speakers from across the UN system, environmental organizations, academia and governments. It celebrates the steps taken by actors in Geneva and beyond to move forward the zero-waste agenda.Event page and registration