Tackling waste in cities

Waste is one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges of our time. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns are driving waste worldwide. low- and middle-income cities where collection, treatment, and disposal systems are underdeveloped. 

Without effective management, waste contributes to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, public health risks, and economic losses, affecting the most vulnerable communities the hardest.

By adopting a Zero Waste approach within a circular economy framework, cities can minimize waste generation, maximize resource recovery, and reduce harmful impacts on the environment and human health.

This Learning Hub serves as a useful resource for cities, offering guidance, training, and good examples from around the world. It connects local governments, businesses, and communities with the knowledge and tools they need to design sustainable, zero waste management systems.

Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP)

The SWAP Initiative helps cities in emerging and developing countries move toward zero-waste, circular economies. It supports cities in reducing waste, improving recycling, and designing out harmful chemicals, while encouraging safer production and consumption practices.

The project works with city governments, industries, and communities to: Plan for zero waste: Develop city-level strategies, action plans, and governance structures to manage waste effectively and support circular economy solutions. Unlock financing: Identify sustainable funding, green finance mechanisms, and public-private partnerships to invest in infrastructure, recycling systems, and innovative waste solutions. Promote cleaner production and consumption: Support industries and consumers to adopt safer, more sustainable products and processes, from eco-design to recycling and reuse.

Build knowledge and capacity: Train city authorities, informal recyclers, and communities, while sharing lessons, tools, and best practices through a global learning network. SWAP is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).