International Zero Waste Day, accepted under the leadership of Turkey—which serves as an example to the world with its Zero Waste approach—is celebrated every year on March 30 as a day of awareness and action worldwide.
A turning point in global waste management policies occurred on December 14, 2022, with the unanimous adoption of the “Zero Waste” resolution submitted by Turkey to the United Nations General Assembly. With resolution number 77/161, the “Zero Waste Project,” carried out under the patronage of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan and which sparked a major societal transformation in Turkey, officially gained support under the United Nations umbrella.
Accordingly, March 30 was declared International Zero Waste Day, celebrated under the coordination of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Global Participation and Activities
In the second year of International Zero Waste Day, celebrations were held at the United Nations Headquarters in cooperation with the Zero Waste Foundation, UNDP, and UN-Habitat. Events and panels were organized in many cities including New York, Rome, Paris, Brussels, Vienna, and Gaborone.
These events highlighted sustainable production and consumption habits, circular economy practices, and waste reduction. With broad participation from local governments, NGOs, private sector, and individuals, this special day also aims to contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The Deepening Waste Crisis
Globally, between 2.1 and 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually. Yet approximately 2.7 billion people still lack access to safe waste collection services. This inequality directly impacts the triple environmental crisis facing the world — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
If current trends continue unchanged, annual municipal waste is projected to reach 3.8 billion tons by 2050. Therefore, International Zero Waste Day is not just a symbolic day; it serves as an important call for governments, cities, companies, and individuals to take action.
Hope for the Future
First celebrated in 2023, International Zero Waste Day has been embraced by millions around the world. With increasing awareness and participation each year, the zero waste movement opens the door not only to environmental but also social and economic transformation.
As the International Zero Waste Forum, we take pride in being part of this global solidarity and continue to support the holistic solutions that the zero waste vision offers for a more livable world.
