Waste prevention: Key learnings
The Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform hosted a waste prevention webinar on 5 December 2024, focusing on the power of reuse. During the session, we explored a range of initiatives and best practices that regions can leverage to promote waste reduction.
Watch the recording, access the presentations, and discover the key insights.
Webinar recording
Webinar agenda
The webinar has been designed and moderated by Magda Michalikova and Astrid Severin, Thematic Experts for a Greener Europe.
00:01:01 Introduction to the topic by Magda Michalikova
00:15:20 Keynote speech by Francesco Lembo on Reuse: a key driver for reducing the quantity of waste generated in Europe
00:33:27 Q&A: How should we tackle overconsumption?
00:36:20 Q&A: Reuse and recycle channels are reaching their limits and European targets are being set. Should cities and regions look into reusing and enlarging their networks?
00:41:30 Presentation by Agne Juciene on the preparation for reuse system in the Alytus region
00:53:06 Q&A: Concerning the textiles you are collecting, what do you do with them? Are you also exporting them?
00:55:13 Q&A: Does your region track the demographics of the users and participants in your initiative?
00:57:50 Presentation by Marinka Vovk on the reuse of used electronic equipment
01:13:30 Q&A: How do you deal with issues such as loss of warranty of a device after repair?
01:15:50 Presentation by Marino Cavallo on the implementation of reuse models at events
01:32:15 Key takeaways from the speakers
Key learnings
Below you can access the recording, key learnings and presentations.
- European policies are in place for reuse, repair and redesign.
- Set local goals for reuse and waste reduction and develop specific strategies for the most problematic waste streams (textiles, SUP, WEEE, construction, food waste,…).
- Establish good practices and examples to raise awareness and inspire reuse at all levels.
- Understand the opportunities for employment creation and savings (energy, materials, GHG) and support reuse organisations to increase capacities.
- Tackle overconsumption (textiles, single-use plastics, etc.) and focus on changing ‘linear’ behaviour and habits.
- Shift focus from waste management (collection, separation) to reducing waste generation at source.
- Incentivise and manage the transition from disposable to reuse models.
- Provide support to local reuse sector and social enterprises to increase capacity for reuse.
- Use purchase power of cities and regions to ‘walk the talk’ and increase reuse at administrative level e.g. through public procurement.
Presentations
Download the presentations below.