Where we work

The Zero Waste Learning Hub works with cities and countries to advance circular economy approaches and sustainable waste management systems. Our work focuses on supporting policy development and designing solutions that reduce waste generation, improve materials recovery, and promote more efficient resource use.

As part of the GEF-funded Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP) initiative, the Hub is currently working with the five cities of Tianjin, China; Montevideo, Uruguay; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Kocaeli, Türkiye; and Tunis, Tunisia. In each location, activities focus on strengthening governance, supporting city strategies, and developing initiatives that demonstrate how circular approaches can be implemented in practice.

Page last updated: 06 May 2026

Tianjin, China

Tianjin is one of China’s largest coastal cities and an important industrial and innovation hub. As a SWAP pilot city, Tianjin is strengthening circular economy systems by expanding recycling infrastructure, improving resource recovery, and promoting safer management of chemicals in industrial processes. The city is also exploring how green technologies can be integrated into urban services.

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Freetown, Sierra Leone

Freetown faces complex urban waste challenges linked to rapid population growth, informal settlements, infrastructure constraints, and climate vulnerability. Through SWAP, the city is working to strengthen collection systems, expand community engagement, and build inclusive circular systems by integrating the informal waste sector.

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Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis is working to improve waste management across the city. Efforts include strengthening source separation, optimizing collection services, reinforcing regulatory frameworks, and improving the management of priority waste streams. Working closely with national authorities, Tunis is modernizing its waste system through data-informed planning and targeted investment.

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Kocaeli, Türkiye

Kocaeli is a highly industrialized metropolitan area with strong environmental commitments and a growing focus on circular economy solutions. Under SWAP, the city is working to reduce waste generation, strengthen recycling markets, and promote more sustainable industrial practices. Efforts also include the use of new technologies and strengthening monitoring approaches.

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Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is shifting toward zero waste by expanding recycling services, modernizing collection systems, and improving material recovery. The city places strong emphasis on inclusive waste management, including partnerships with cooperatives of informal waste workers. Within SWAP, Montevideo is exploring approaches to reduce plastics, address hazardous waste streams, and support circular business models.

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