Zero Waste Moves From Pledge to Practice as Collection Costs Loom
COP 31 Side Events • United NationsNovember 14, 2026
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A COP31 side event on Nov. 14, 2026, brought Ghana, Athens, Brazil and Bangladesh together with the same message: zero waste programs are being built on the ground, but collection is the bottleneck. Speakers called for financing that covers daily operations, makes producers pay and sends money directly to waste pickers. The event was a panel discussion with no votes and no Q&A.
- Brazil's waste pickers reach about 90% recycling efficiency, compared with 40% for private collectors, Instituto Polis reported.
- Collection accounts for 60% to 80% of waste costs in Brazil, putting systems ahead of technology as the main barrier.
- Bangladesh plans 64 district zero waste model villages after a 200-household pilot.
- Waste picker leader demands a decision-making role, fair contracts and direct climate finance.
- Less than 1% of development finance goes to outdoor air quality, funders said, pressing governments to act.
Mariel Vilella, director of GAIA's Global Climate Program, moderated the panel "From Commitment to Implementation: Scaling Zero Waste for Climate and Clean Air." GAIA, Instituto Polis, ESDO and Ecology Center hosted the event. Speakers presented case studies from national ministries, a European capital and civil society groups.
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