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Waste prevention

Waste prevention involves reducing the waste produced by improving product design, promoting reuse, and encouraging sustainable consumption. It is a key priority for European policymaking, supporting the transition to a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact.

In the spotlight

The shift towards waste prevention is crucial as it influences the long-term environmental sustainability and resource efficiency of regions, fostering economic resilience and social well-being. This transition plays a key role in advancing circular economies and driving responsible growth across Europe. Explore the insightful content carefully selected by our Experts for you.

Policy brief
Wooden building

Leading the way towards waste prevention

Discover EU initiatives to support waste prevention such as actions on food waste prevention and green public procurement as well as good practices from across Europe.
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Webinar
Recycle icon made with recycled materials

Waste prevention: Key learnings

The Policy Learning Platform hosted a webinar on waste prevention: the power of reuse on 5 December 2024. Watch the recording and access the presentations and key learnings.
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Workshop
Different sets of objects on the ground COPR Isaure Suplisson

Reuse and repair in the circular economy

Explore the key learnings, presentations and recording of our reuse and repair online workshop that took place in January 2023.
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Webinar

Green public procurement: Key learnings

On 27 April, the Policy Learning Platform hosted the first webinar of the waste prevention series. This session focused on green public procurement, watch the recording and discover the key learnings.
Policy brief

Reuse and repair in a circular and social economy

Story

Rescue food! From food waste to food aid

When thinking about food waste, many will imagine food scraps or expired food in the fridge. The food waste issue is, however, much larger than that, and is acknowledged as an environmental, economic and social problem that needs to be resolved urgently.
Story

New aspirations for Latvian waste management

· Latvia

Stories on waste prevention

Get inspired by stories from various European regions, showcasing their innovative approaches and strategies for tackling waste prevention. Discover how these regions are implementing creative and sustainable solutions, fostering community engagement, and driving impactful changes to reduce waste while promoting environmental consciousness and enhancing resource efficiency.

Story

Reverse Advent

Take a look how advent calendars are reversed, made durable, and put smiles on people's faces.
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Story

Festivals go green in Styria

Festivals are going green to reduce waste and minimize their impact on the environment. Interreg Europe WINPOL project sets a great example.
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Story

Reducing food waste and food poverty: the mission of a social enterprise

Take a look at the good practice from ECOWASTE4FOOD and how they are repurposing food.
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A message from our expert

Are you looking for support on waste prevention in your region? We have a team of experts ready to help you. 

Get in contact through our policy helpdesk and we will put you in contact with the right people. 

Contact us

Magda Michalikova round image

Waste prevention is the most efficient way to save resources and reduce waste management costs. Local authorities have a unique opportunity to lead the way and use their considerable purchasing power to foster waste prevention and greater circularity.

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