Municipalities have their hands full with waste management, but how to start with waste prevention? Zero Waste Netherlands was able to develop a waste prevention package for municipalities with the support of the Spronck Foundation, consisting of the following components.
Inspiration for policymakers
In inspiring lectures and working sessions, Zero Waste Netherlands shows policymakers what is possible in terms of waste prevention interventions at municipal level and helps them on their way. In addition, Zero Waste Netherlands takes policymakers and city councillors on a Zero Waste inspiration tour. This shows them what is possible in terms of waste prevention at local level: a practical activity that gives policymakers new insights and gets them thinking further.
Activating citizens
Municipalities can request a Tour from Zero Waste Netherlands, in which residents learn how to drastically reduce their waste footprint. For municipalities that want to go bigger, Zero Waste Netherlands organises a Zero Waste Festival: a multi-day event where workshops, lectures and activities are organised throughout the municipality. In 2024, this took place in Amsterdam, Breda, Roosendaal, Bergen op Zoom, Steenbergen and Woensdrecht.
Advice and certification
For municipalities that want to take waste prevention a step further in their policy-making, Zero Waste Netherlands is an important knowledge partner. In addition, Zero Waste Netherlands will soon be authorised to certify municipalities as a Zero Waste City: a programme of Zero Waste Europe designed to support cities in reducing waste, waste and pollution. In the Netherlands, Zero Waste Netherlands is the only authorised certifying body.
With this package, Zero Waste Netherlands guides municipalities towards less waste and more sustainable policies.
