RIGGING THE NUMBERS: Questions and Answers on Biogenic Carbon in Waste and Climate Change
UN Day of ZW 2026 - Climate -
This brief Q&A explains why biogenic CO2 is not inherently climate-neutral, how IPCC inventory guidance is frequently misinterpreted to justify these exclusions, and how waste facilities must report biogenic carbon emissions as well as fossil carbon emissions.
Lutter contre les émissions de méthane des décharges grâce à la justice environnementale
- Climate -
Le présent rapport décrit les risques liés aux approches habituelles (« Business As Usual » ou BAU) en matière de réduction des émissions de méthane provenant des décharges et plaide en faveur d'une réponse durable et axée sur la justice. Il s'appuie sur des données internationales, sur les tendances politiques actuelles et sur l'expérience des communautés pour identifier les solutions efficaces et inefficaces en matière de fermeture des décharges et de gestion des déchets organiques.
Le zéro déchet comme stratégie climatique efficace : éviter les compromis de réchauffement liés à l’incinération
- Climate -
Le présent rapport évalue les impacts à long terme sur le réchauffement climatique de trois stratégies de gestion des déchets : les pratiques basées sur l’élimination classique (« Business As Usual » ou BAU) comme la mise en dépotoir ou en décharge, l’incinération et les pratiques zéro déchet comme le tri à la source ou le traitement des déchets organiques et des déchets recyclables. L’analyse se concentre sur trois contextes urbains, à savoir Lagos (Nigeria), Barueri (Brésil) et Quezon City (Philippines), et calcule les impacts prévus sur la température pour chacune des stratégies jusqu’en 2060 à l’aide de l’outil d’estimation des émissions des déchets solides (SWEET) et du modèle climatique FaIR (Finite Amplitude Impulse Response).
Over the last few years, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and the Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) movement, with support from the Plastics Solution Fund (PSF), have partnered with organisations across African countries to design and implement local projects and campaigns focused on environmental justice, plastic reduction and other zero waste strategies. These initiatives have demonstrated that a zero waste future is possible, and it’s already happening.
In Uganda, End Plastic Pollution developed and executed a zero waste model in Masulita Town, Wakiso District, where limited waste management systems once left communities struggling with pollution. Through this initiative, waste recovery increased by 30% by the end of the project. The organisation diverted a measurable percentage of waste from the Ssekanyonyi Dumpsite, thereby preventing methane emissions. Reforming the waste sector could reduce global methane emissions by 13%. Community representatives were trained to lead peer-to-peer education efforts, ensuring the model continues to grow from within. The urgency of this work cannot be overstated.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the waste sector remains the largest contributor to urban emissions after the energy sector and is the third-largest source of methane emissions globally, with these emissions continuing to rise.
Methane is a short-lived greenhouse gas that traps 82.5 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reforming the waste sector could reduce global methane emissions by 13%, with potential reductions in waste methane emissions of up to 95% achievable through composting, bio-stabilisation, and biologically active cover for dumpsites. Additionally, waste segregation and organic composting can lower landfill methane emissions by 62%.
In Ethiopia, Eco-justice Ethiopia established a strong foundation for advancing zero waste strategies and environmental justice in Woreda 09, Yeka Sub City, where communities face growing waste challenges. The initiative supported local compost manufacturers to transform organic waste into valuable resources and integrated waste pickers into formal discussions. Eco-justice Ethiopia also contributed to shifting public discourse beyond incineration, published a city-wide Plastic-Free Guide, influenced national plastic policy, and represented African civil society in global treaty negotiations.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Solidarité pour la Protection des Droits de l’Enfant led the Bukavu Zero Waste City initiative, part of a broader effort to build cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities. Through this initiative, over 100,000 people were reached through awareness-raising activities and 480 tons of waste were collected. The project also created three waste picker committees, strengthening inclusive local systems. Promoting organic waste recovery, it enabled the production of 300 tons of compost and 1.2 tons of black soldier fly larvae, supporting 90 farmers. These efforts are empowering communities to take control of their environment and drive lasting, systemic change.
When GAIA was founded 26 years ago, the concept of zero waste in Africa was often viewed as unfamiliar. Today, GAIA members like End Plastic Pollution, Eco-Justice Ethiopia, and SOPRODE have demonstrated that it is a viable solution to addressing climate change, public health risks, social inequality, and economic hardship. Through collaboration with city officials, their efforts to develop and implement zero waste programmes have become a blueprint for municipalities in Africa, advancing a growing global movement.
During the Zero Waste Stories from Africa webinar on 26 March 2026, experts highlighted the impacts of the three projects and discussed how their zero waste approaches are contributing to reduced methane emissions and advancing climate action.
Eskadar Awgichew of Eco Justice Ethiopia
“Addis Ababa’s waste system is centralised, landfill-dependent, and under growing pressure from incineration models. We believe that a decentralised zero waste approach can transform the system by diverting organic and plastic waste, formally integrating waste pickers, and replacing false solutions to the waste management crisis with more circular models.”
Patricia Namwanga of End Plastic Pollution
“Through our implementation of the zero waste model in Masuulita town, we can confirm that the zero waste concepts are an innovation that can unlock the opportunities along the supply chain, making waste a resource. We have proven that an integrated approach, empowering waste pickers, mobilising youth, engaging government and using data works.”
Robert Kitumaini of Solidarité pour la Protection des Droits de l’Enfant “In Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, SOPRODE has demonstrated that organic waste is not a problem but a solution: by transforming it into compost and resources for agriculture, we have contributed to mitigating methane emissions, furthermore, ensuring food security, and creating green jobs for local communities. By addressing food waste through community-based systems, we can reduce methane emissions, support regenerative agriculture, and build more resilient and self-sufficient communities.”
The results from these projects illustrate that local waste solutions are not merely environmental interventions but also pathways to healthier communities, stronger local economies, and sustainable responses to the climate crisis.
ENDS
For more information, please contact: Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman – khalil@no-burn.org
ABOUT GAIA
GAIA: GAIA is a global network of grassroots groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals, in over 90 countries. The organisation envisions a just, zero-waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped. GAIA works to catalyse a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. www.no-burn.org
Date & Time: Tuesday November 18, 10:30–11:00 AM BRT
Location: Press Conference 2, Area D, Hangar Convention and Fair Centre of the Amazon, Belém
Methane emissions from the waste sector are soaring, jeopardising the Global Methane Pledge, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned. Simple, quick, low-cost solutions can bend the curve, finds a progress report published on Monday, urging governments to seize these opportunities.
Without further action, methane emissions from the waste sector are set to grow 13% by 2030 and 56% by 2050 compared with 2020 levels, the UNEP report finds. Across their economies, the 159 countries signed up to the Global Methane Pledge are set to cut methane emissions 8% by 2030 from 2020 levels, missing the 30% target.
While some countries and cities are achieving climate wins in the waste sector, others are held back by regulatory, technical and financial barriers. Scaling up proven solutions could cut 13 Mt of emissions per year by 2030 and generate $9 billion in annual cost savings, the report finds.
GAIA’s research shows that community-based zero waste solutions can cut the sector’s methane emissions by 95%, while creating good jobs and boosting public health. In this press conference, experts will reflect on progress, showcase solutions and advocate for support to close the ambition gap.
Moderator
Henrique Bezerra, Regional Lead for Latin America, Global Methane Hub
Speakers
Martina Otto, head of CCAC secretariat – highlights from the Global Methane Pledge Progress Report
Yobel Novian Putra, global climate policy officer, GAIA – how to get finance flowing to the right solutions
Victor Argentino, zero waste coordinator, Instituto Polis – lessons from zero waste initiatives in Brazil
Severino Lima Jr, president, International Alliance of Wastepickers – empowering wastepickers for a just transition
Key messages
Martina Otto, CCAC: “Stronger waste policies are already lowering methane projections in some regions, proving what is possible. But without action elsewhere, waste will remain one of the fastest growing sources of emissions. With the right measures, we can cut methane quickly and turn waste into a resource that drives new jobs and economic opportunity.”
Yobel Novian Putra, GAIA: “Governments are missing a quick climate justice win in the waste sector. Our research shows community-led zero waste solutions are cost-effective and they can cut methane emissions by 95%, while creating good jobs. Now they need the right policy support and financial framework to scale up and deliver, particularly at the local level when implementation happens.”
Victor Argentino, Instituto Polis: “Composting generates 4 to 15 times more jobs than landfilling and incinerators based on projects in Brazil. This means that diverting 70% of municipal organic waste from landfilling in Brazil can generate 40,000 jobs, and increase in 30% of the current labour employed in municipal waste management, while generating 2 billion reais (USD 40 million) worth of compost or biomethane.”
Severino Lima Jr, International Alliance of Wastepickers:
Contact: Sonia Astudillo, Global Climate Comms Officer at GAIA: sonia@no-burn.org
GAIA is a network of grassroots groups as well as national and regional alliances representing more than 1,000 organizations from over 100 countries. With our work we aim to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, Zero Waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped. www.no-burn.org
El 17 de octubre se lanzó el proyecto “Gestión de residuos orgánicos en el mercado El Cardonal” en Valparaíso, Chile. El proyecto, parte de una red de iniciativas piloto en el Sur Global (Chile, Indonesia y Sudáfrica), busca demostrar el potencial de mitigación climática y de desvío de residuos de los vertederos mediante modelos de gestión de residuos orgánicos ejecutados por recicladores de base.
Valparaíso, Chile – Un hito histórico para el reconocimiento de las y los recicladores de Chile se llevó a cabo en Valparaíso, Chile, con el lanzamiento del proyecto “Gestión de residuos orgánicos en el mercado El Cardonal”. El proyecto piloto impulsado por Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), contribuirá a la mitigación de emisiones de metano mediante el tratamiento de los residuos orgánicos generados en el mercado municipal El Cardonal, y estará a cargo de un grupo de recicladores de la Cooperativa de Reciclaje El Molle (CTR).
El proyecto es parte de tres iniciativas piloto que se desarrollarán también en Bandung, Indonesia, y Durbán, Sudáfrica, con el fin de mostrar cómo el sector informal y grupos comunitarios pueden contribuir a la mitigación del cambio climático mediante la reducción de las emisiones de gases efecto invernadero proveniente de los residuos.
Soledad Mella, presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Recicladores de Chile (ANARCH).
Soledad Mella, presidenta de la Asociación Nacional de Recicladores de Chile (ANARCH), destacó la importancia de que los protagonistas del proyecto sean las y los recicladores de base y agradeció a las y los encargados del Mercado Municipal por confiar en el proyecto. Por otro lado, Camila Nieto, alcaldesa de la Ilustre municipalidad de Valparaíso, señaló que el proyecto le permite a la ciudad avanzar en sus compromisos ambientales, pero también de la dignificación del trabajo de los recicladores, quienes históricamente han trabajado en el relleno.
Dentro de los resultados de la iniciativa se contempla el desarrollo de estudios de caso, que cuantifiquen la reducción de metano proveniente de los residuos, y modelos de negocio, que servirán para expandir modelos probados a otras ciudades interesadas en una mejor comprensión de las soluciones para la reducción del metano con reconocimiento y justicia social. Se estima que proyectos de esta envergadura pueden desviar en promedio unas 550 toneladas al año, lo cual mitiga la generación de 5.447 toneladas de metano.
Mariela Pino, Campañista en mitigación de metano para GAIA en América Latina, indicó que este es un proyecto que marcará un precedente muy valioso para otras cooperativas de recicladores de base del país y de la región latinoamericana. Entre otros, el proyecto incluye la producción de análisis técnico y económico para entender el funcionamiento, y financiamiento requerido para planificar, diseñar y mantener proyectos de valorización de residuos orgánicos. El municipio además entiende la oportunidad que hay aguas arriba para evitar las pérdidas y el desperdicio alimentario, y buscará la posibilidad de seguir apoyando las cocinas comunitarias, y los ecomercados solidarios. El plan es que el municipio extienda este proyecto a nuevas ferias libres y mercados del puerto.
Plastic is a growing crisis with devastating impacts on the environment, human health, human rights, environmental justice, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, biodiversity, and climate. Global actions to address this crisis are urgently needed. As numerous studies have demonstrated, plastic has been found everywhere, not only in ecosystems and the atmosphere but also in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even inside our bodies. For the Global Plastics Treaty to be effective in reversing the tide of plastic pollution, mechanisms and solutions to address it need to exist within climate and planetary boundaries. This treaty is an opportunity to get it right and open a path for comprehensive national policies to regulate plastic production and consumption. It can potentially be one of the most significant environmental agreements in history.
Plastics Crisis: Challenges, Advances and Relationship with Waste Pickers
Negotiations must include the recognition of the historical work of those who have recovered more materials and in the most efficient way: the waste pickers.
Rommel Cabrera/GAIA, 2019. Waste pickers collecting separated waste from households. Tacloban City, the Philippines.
Overview of the Plastics Treaty/Tratado sobre plásticos
Plastic pollution does not respect borders. It is in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and even in our bodies. A new binding legal instrument, covering the entire lifecycle of plastic, is required to tackle this planetary crisis.
Top exporters such as the United States, Germany, the UK, Japan and Australia are placing a disproportionate toxic burden on the environment and communities in importing countries. A Global Plastics Treaty can enact stricter measures on the waste trade to prevent environmental injustices.
Plastic takes up a large percentage of the waste handled by waste pickers. Consequently, they are one of the most vulnerable occupation groups that stand to be impacted by the global plastics treaty. The treaty must establish the legal frameworks required to improve working conditions for waste pickers.
Plastic contains toxic chemicals that leach into our food, water, and soil. Out of about 10,000 chemicals used as plastic additives, few have been widely studied, let alone regulated. A treaty must address plastic’s toxic burden.
Plastic and Climate Change/Los plásticos y el cambio climático
Plastic is a significant contributor to climate change throughout its lifecycle. By 2050, emissions from plastic alone will take up over a third of the remaining carbon budget for a 1.5 °C target. A plastics treaty must impose legally-binding plastic reduction targets.
Faced with increasing pressure from lawmakers and civil society to reduce plastic production and greater awareness of the limits of mechanical recycling, the petrochemical industry has been peddling chemical “recycling” and “plastic-to-fuel” as a primary solution to plastic pollution. However, after billions of dollars and decades of development, these approaches do not work as advertised. A plastics treaty stands to be undermined if it embraces these industry-backed false solutions.
Waste Incineration and Burning Waste in Cement Kilns
Burning waste emits climate pollution and other toxic chemicals, and is the least energy-efficient and most costly method of energy production. A plastics treaty must adopt a moratorium on new incinerators and encourage a roadmap to phase out all existing incinerators by 2030.
Burning plastic in cement kilns results in toxic emissions, threatening the health of workers, communities and the environment, especially in low-income countries in the Global South. Widespread burning of waste in cement kilns would also worsen the already devastating carbon footprint of the cement industry. A plastics treaty must phase out burning plastic waste in cement kilns.
The global plastics treaty provides an important opportunity to officially discourage or ban the use of plastic credits before they become widespread. Doing so would avoid the incredible amount of regulatory oversight needs —both in the private and public sectors— to organize and manage international plastic credit markets. The collective efforts could be better spent on reducing plastic production rapidly.
A transition from a plastic-reliant economy toward a circular zero waste economy requires effective mobilization and allocation of financial resources. Public and private finance have distinct and intersecting roles to play in supporting and scaling up innovations for waste prevention, redesign, alternative delivery and reuse systems as well as improving existing waste collection and recycling systems.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies seek to improve the environmental and social performance of products by holding producers and brand owners accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. The global plastics treaty must embed well-designed EPR policies in it, guiding producers to prioritize upstream solutions.
The global Plastics Treaty must focus on plastic reduction and reuse, instead of substituting a plastic single-use item for a bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable one.
GAIA Africa Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series | Part 1
Finance and the Global Plastics Treaty
The new global agreement on plastic pollution will require financial resources to achieve its objectives. There are costs associated with implementing and complying with new legally binding controls at the global level. New, additional, stable, accessible, and adequate financial assistance have to be made available to developing countries and economies in transition to comply with and implement the new legally binding agreement which is a priority area for the Africa Region. As such, for the 3rd part of the Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series, we learned about what the existing financial landscape looks like to address plastic pollution and what lessons can be learned from funding mechanisms developed for existing MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements) and much more….
GAIA Africa Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series | Part 2
The Zero Draft
In this Global Plastics Treaty webinar held on September 21, we learned more about what the Zero Draft is, what GAIA & BFFP’s analyses have been thus far about the Zero Draft and how you can use the Zero Draft in your advocacy efforts. GAIA’s Global Policy Officer Sirine Rached and BFFP’s Global Policy Officer Semee Rhee led the discussion.
GAIA Africa Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series | Part 3
How the Global Plastics Treaty Came About and Why It Matters?
This is the first part of this series held on 14 September 2023 with our esteemed speakers Ana Rocha, GAIA’s Director of Global Plastics Program and Merrisa Naidoo, GAIA/BFFP’s Africa Plastic Campaigner who presented to us a general overview of the plastics treaty, how it came about and why it matters.
The Financing for Plastic Pollution webinar explores the challenges and the promising potential for genuine (Zero Waste) solutions and a Just Transition. Panelists provide experiences from working with impacted communities, understanding of multilateral financing, subsidies and similar fiscal incentives, and International financing institutions, as well as multi-stakeholder engagement. Speakers: Ana Le Rocha, Director Global Plastics Program, GAIA Ronald Steenblik, Senior Technical Advisor, QUNO Nalini Shekhar, Co-founder and Executive Director, Hasiru Dala Mayang Azurin, Deputy Director for Campaigns, GAIA Asia Pacific
EPR Framework in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
The global issue of plastic pollution requires community-driven solutions based on solid evidence. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which have been in existence for over two decades in various forms, are gaining renewed attention due to ongoing negotiations for a #GlobalPlasticsTreaty. This webinar aims to explore the challenges and lessons associated with EPR implementation across Asia. It will provide insights into the practical aspects of implementing EPR policies, highlighting the gaps between policy frameworks and on-ground realities. The goal is to identify opportunities for enhancing EPR through treaty negotiations and national advocacy efforts.
El martes 24 de junio, la Plaza de Bolívar de Bogotá amaneció cubierta de toneladas de plásticos para representar cómo se vería la ciudad sin el trabajo de las y los recicladores, y para manifestar que el trabajo de los 60.000 recicladores de Colombia se está viendo afectado por los bajos precios del material de reciclaje.
Más de 30 asociaciones de recicladores de base coordinaron llevar veinte camiones desde distintos puntos de la ciudad a la Plaza Bolívar para descargar 12 toneladas de botellas plásticas PET para denunciar el desplome de los precios del material y la consecuente precarización de sus condiciones laborales.
Según estimaciones de la Asociación Nacional de Recicladores (ANR Colombia), en los últimos dos años, los precios por kilo de PET han pasado de los $2.800-$3.000 ($ 0.75 USD) a $1.600 ($ 0.40 USD), lo que no solo representa una baja en los ingresos de las y los recicladores, sino también en algunos casos pérdidas cuando se considera el costo logístico total por kilo recolectado y vendido.
Las organizaciones de recicladores exigieron una reunión con el gobierno nacional para abordar sus demandas como la creación de un fondo económico financiado con el impuesto al plástico de un solo uso, políticas públicas claras que regulen el precio de los materiales reciclables, reconocimiento legal y económico del trabajo del reciclador, y acceso a salud, pensiones y sueldos dignos.
Updated as of September 5, 2025
Plastic Pollution is a triple planetary crisis of biodiversity, pollution and climate change. Every stage of the plastic life cycle is also responsible for human rights issues. Safe livelihoods, land rights, Indigenous Peoples rights, right to clean and healthy air, water and access to essential social justice measures especially for the informal workers especially waste pickers are encroached upon starting with raw material extraction, polymer production, transportation, consumption, management as waste and disposal. Low-income and marginalized communities face disproportionate impacts as much of the refineries, producing industries, landfills, recycling plants, and incineration facilities are often located in their vicinity.
Plastic Pollution is a triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. Every stage of the plastic life cycle is also responsible for human rights issues. Safe livelihoods, land rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, the right to clean and healthy air and water, and access to essential social justice measures, especially for the informal workers such as waste pickers, are undermined from raw material extraction to polymer production, transportation, consumption, waste management, and disposal. Low-income and marginalized communities face disproportionate impacts as refineries, producing industries, landfills, recycling plants, and incineration facilities are often located in their vicinity.
Global plastic production continues to grow at levels incompatible with planetary boundaries. Plastics for packaging account for 40 percent of all plastics produced, with nearly half of this share coming from Asia. Several countries in the Asia Pacific have enforced single-use plastic bans, though implementation remains riddled with gaps and weak enforcement. Local authorities often lack institutional capacity, reliable data, and financial resources to tackle the crisis. As a result of exposure to increasingly unmanageable levels of plastic flows and associated toxic releases, people face serious impacts affecting their neurological, reproductive, cardiovascular, and endocrine health. The toxic impacts of plastics further burden national budgets while harming communities’ well-being. A study estimates that under a business-as-usual scenario, plastic pollution between 2016 and 2040 could cost between USD 13.7 billion and USD 281.8 trillion in damages.
On August 15th, the world woke up to the collapse of a 2.5-year-long process. Six meetings and almost USD 40 million were not enough to arrive at an international legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution. The resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), the longest INC meeting to date, turned into a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Much of the negotiation time was spent in informal informals, excluding civil society groups and rightsholders, while formal negotiations only bloated the text, resulting in 1,400+ unresolved brackets. In a last-minute attempt, the Chair resorted to closed-door consultations with select countries, releasing draft treaty texts that ignored country position papers. These drafts were rejected outright by ambitious countries, with some calling them “unacceptable” and even “repulsive.” The INC process has been marred by obstructionist tactics from bad-faith negotiators, largely associated with the so-called “like-minded group” of countries. They have weaponized consensus-only decision-making to veto progress, blocking controls on polymer production, hazardous chemicals, and plastic products. While ambitious countries and civil society pushed for strong measures, the final drafts were stripped down to downstream waste management, without any mandatory global measures or targets. Civil society groups, Indigenous Peoples, and waste pickers stood united in rejecting these weak outcomes.
A bad process does not lead to a good outcome. The collapse of INC-5.2 shows that an undemocratic and non-transparent process, which bows to the tyranny of a few, cannot reap positive results. Yet, it also demonstrates the strength of the movement: more than 100 ambitious countries stood firm in rejecting weak texts, backed by civil society and rightsholders. Reduction in plastic production remains essential to stay within safe and just planetary boundaries and to safeguard human and ecosystem health. As per Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory research, primary plastic production must decrease by at least 12–17 percent per year starting in 2024. The failure of UNEP’s INC process makes it urgent for ambitious countries to strategize together and explore alternative avenues for global action, free from petrostate obstruction.
It is not too late to reverse the path of biodiversity loss, climate change, and public health crises caused by plastics. The momentum we have built, the shift in narratives, and the political ambition unleashed must now be harnessed. Our members have already demonstrated that a toxic-free, zero waste world is possible. The collapse of INC-5.2 is not the end. It is a call for courage, not compromise, in forging the path toward a future free of plastic pollution.
Arpita Bhagat, Plastic Policy Officer, GAIA Asia Pacific, Dharmesh Shah, Consulting Senior Campaigner (Plastics Treaty), Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
Stories about Asia and the environment…that you probably haven’t heard yet. A new perspective on how different countries in Asia are tackling a changing planet.
Wong Pui Yi, Research Consultant, Basel Action Network, Mageswari Sangaralingam, Honorary Secretary, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and Chief Executive, Consumers’ Association of Penang
…We speak to Arpita Bhagat (Plastic Policy Officer, GAIA Asia Pacific) and Rayhan Dudayev (Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal & Political), Greenpeace Southeast Asia) to dive into the politics, power plays, and potential of the global plastics treaty.
Rappler environment editor Jee Geronimo and multimedia reporter Iya Gozum talk to Michelle Reyes of Healthcare Without Harm and Jam Lorenzo of BAN Toxics about the final round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty…
Rappler environment editor Jee Geronimo and multimedia reporter Iya Gozum talk to Michelle Reyes of Healthcare Without Harm and Jam Lorenzo of BAN Toxics about the final round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty…
GAIA Africa Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series | Part 1
Finance and the Global Plastics Treaty
The new global agreement on plastic pollution will require financial resources to achieve its objectives. There are costs associated with implementing and complying with new legally binding controls at the global level. New, additional, stable, accessible, and adequate financial assistance have to be made available to developing countries and economies in transition to comply with and implement the new legally binding agreement which is a priority area for the Africa Region. As such, for the 3rd part of the Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series, we learned about what the existing financial landscape looks like to address plastic pollution and what lessons can be learned from funding mechanisms developed for existing MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements) and much more….
GAIA Africa Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series | Part 2
The Zero Draft
In this Global Plastics Treaty webinar held on September 21, we learned more about what the Zero Draft is, what GAIA & BFFP’s analyses have been thus far about the Zero Draft and how you can use the Zero Draft in your advocacy efforts. GAIA’s Global Policy Officer Sirine Rached and BFFP’s Global Policy Officer Semee Rhee led the discussion.
GAIA Africa Global Plastics Treaty Webinar Series | Part 3
How the Global Plastics Treaty Came About and Why It Matters?
This is the first part of this series held on 14 September 2023 with our esteemed speakers Ana Rocha, GAIA’s Director of Global Plastics Program and Merrisa Naidoo, GAIA/BFFP’s Africa Plastic Campaigner who presented to us a general overview of the plastics treaty, how it came about and why it matters.
The Financing for Plastic Pollution webinar explores the challenges and the promising potential for genuine (Zero Waste) solutions and a Just Transition. Panelists provide experiences from working with impacted communities, understanding of multilateral financing, subsidies and similar fiscal incentives, and International financing institutions, as well as multi-stakeholder engagement. Speakers: Ana Le Rocha, Director Global Plastics Program, GAIA Ronald Steenblik, Senior Technical Advisor, QUNO Nalini Shekhar, Co-founder and Executive Director, Hasiru Dala Mayang Azurin, Deputy Director for Campaigns, GAIA Asia Pacific
EPR Framework in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
The global issue of plastic pollution requires community-driven solutions based on solid evidence. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which have been in existence for over two decades in various forms, are gaining renewed attention due to ongoing negotiations for a #GlobalPlasticsTreaty. This webinar aims to explore the challenges and lessons associated with EPR implementation across Asia. It will provide insights into the practical aspects of implementing EPR policies, highlighting the gaps between policy frameworks and on-ground realities. The goal is to identify opportunities for enhancing EPR through treaty negotiations and national advocacy efforts.
Follow the Conversations on Social Media #PlasticsTreaty #INC5_2
En marco del proyecto Fortalecimiento de las capacidades municipales para la gestión de residuos sólidos a través de sistemas basura cero o “Comunidades Basura Cero”, se desarrolló el manual didáctico “Reciclar para transformar: guía para una transición justa y colectiva”. El documento entrega herramientas prácticas y conocimientos clave para empoderar a las y los recicladores de Ecuador, promoviendo una mayor profesionalización de su trabajo.
Además, la guía se complementa con una serie de videos, en los que recicladores de distintos territorios ofrecen contenidos fundamentales para la formación de sus compañeras/os.
Eco Justice Holds an organic waste composting Session.Participants visited “Lem Chaka Agro Industry” on 17 October 2024
Organic waste poses substantial challenges in Ethiopia, primarily due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure, a lack of public awareness, and economic limitations. The country generates a significant volume of organic waste, which is neither collected nor processed effectively.
This mismanagement leads to severe environmental degradation, poses health risks to communities, and results in missed opportunities for valuable resource recovery.
In this context, Eco-justice Ethiopia is enhancing the capabilities of waste pickers and small composting groups. By providing them with essential skills and training, Eco-Justice aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
This initiative is part of the larger “Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries” project, which is being implemented by members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) across various African nations. Funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the project seeks to mitigate methane emissions by promoting practices such as source separation of waste and the diversion of organic materials from landfills.
In this article, the third instalment of our ongoing series that highlights the impactful work of our members under this initiative (see stories from End Plastic Pollution & CEJAD) we feature an insightful conversation with Eskedar Awgichew, founder of eco-justice.
He shares his perspective and experiences as a partner in Ethiopia for the “Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries” project, shedding light on their efforts to tackle the challenges of organic waste management while promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Eco Justice Ethiopia holds workshop climate resilience and zero waste workshop in Addis Ababa, April 2025
1. Can you provide an overview of your organisation and its mission, highlighting your key activities and focus areas?
Eco-Justice Ethiopia (EJE) is dedicated to promoting environmental justice and sustainable waste management practices in Ethiopia.
Our mission is to advocate for policies and initiatives that protect vulnerable communities, improve waste management systems, and support grassroots movements working toward a cleaner and healthier environment.
Our key focus areas include organic waste management, capacity-building for waste pickers, and policy engagement with local and national governments.
2. How has membership with the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) influenced your organisation’s work, and what benefits have you derived from this partnership?
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has significantly strengthened our advocacy efforts. Through GAIA, we have gained access to global networks, technical expertise, and funding opportunities that have helped us scale our initiatives. The partnership has also enabled us to collaborate with other organisations working on zero-waste solutions, amplifying our impact.
3. What are your thoughts on the waste crisis that many countries in the region are facing?
The waste crisis in many African countries, including Ethiopia, is exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure, limited public awareness, and policy gaps. Informal waste pickers play a crucial role in recycling and waste reduction, yet they often lack recognition and support. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-stakeholder approach that includes government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
EJE joined the Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries CCAC project because of its alignment with our mission to promote sustainable waste solutions.
This project will lead to improved organic waste management practices, increased composting initiatives, and stronger policy frameworks that support waste reduction efforts in Ethiopia.
5.Under the CCAC project, what are the primary campaigns or initiatives your organisation is currently implementing to address organic waste management challenges? [i.e. Trainings on source separation and organics management, outreach to waste picker groups, policy work, local & national government engagement, education campaigns].
Under the CCAC project, EJE has implemented several key initiatives, including:
Policy Engagement: Meetings and interviews with the Addis Ababa City Cleansing Management Agency to gather data on organic waste management.
Composting Site Visits: Engaging with composting associations to understand best practices and challenges.
Capacity-Building Training: Empowering micro and small composting groups with essential skills to improve their operations.
Advocacy through Documentary Film: “Beyond the Trash: Portraits of Informal Waste Pickers in Addis Ababa,” highlighting the challenges faced by waste pickers. EJE produced this documentary before the CCAC project and used it during the project as one of our advocacy tools to show first-hand the injustices of current approaches.
6. What has been a personal milestone or most memorable moment for your organisation working on this project?
One of the most impactful moments was the meaningful engagements we had with waste pickers and compost manufacturers in Addis Ababa. Through the CCAC project, we further strengthened our functional working relationships with these groups and gained a deeper understanding of their perspectives. This project helped raise awareness and foster discussions on improving working conditions for waste pickers.
7. What are the most pressing issues related to organic waste management in your country, and how do these challenges continue to influence how your organisation works on the problems?
Challenges include limited infrastructure for composting, lack of policy enforcement, false solutions such as waste-to-energy incinerators, and insufficient public awareness. These issues shape our advocacy efforts, pushing us to engage with policymakers and communities to drive change.
8. Looking ahead to the next few years, what type of needs or support do you anticipate to continue advocacy in organic waste management in your country?
To sustain our efforts, we anticipate the need for:
Increased funding for waste management projects
Support to advocate for defunding incompatible solutions like waste-to-energy incinerators
Stronger policy support and enforcement
Expanded training programs for waste pickers and composting groups
Greater public awareness campaigns
9. How does your organisation’s work on waste management intersect with social justice concerns, and how do you address these intersections in your advocacy and programming?
Waste management is deeply tied to social justice, as informal waste pickers and compost makers play a crucial yet often overlooked role in maintaining sustainable waste systems. These individuals frequently operate in unsafe conditions, face discrimination, and lack legal recognition, making them vulnerable to economic and social hardships.
At Eco-Justice Ethiopia, we advocate for the rights of waste pickers and compost makers by pushing for fair wages, safer working environments, and social protections.
Beyond improving immediate working conditions, we are actively working to ensure that these groups are recognised as key stakeholders in policy development at the city level. Their firsthand experience and contributions make them invaluable voices in shaping effective waste management solutions, yet they are rarely included in discussions that directly impact their livelihoods.
We operate with the understanding that systemic gaps in waste governance perpetuate inequality. Many waste pickers remain informal because existing policies do not account for their role in the waste economy.
Without recognition, they are excluded from formal employment structures, social security benefits, and legal protections. Similarly, compost makers, who contribute to sustainable waste diversion, often lack institutional support and funding, making their work precarious.
To address these injustices, EJE collaborates with policymakers, civil society organisations, and local communities to integrate waste pickers and compost makers into formal waste management frameworks.
By advocating for inclusive policies, organising capacity-building programs, and amplifying the voices of grassroots waste workers, we aim to reshape waste governance in Ethiopia into a system that respects the dignity and contributions of all who work within it.
Ultimately, waste management is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of equity, labour rights, and community empowerment. We envision a future where waste pickers and compost makers are recognised not as marginalised workers but as leaders in sustainable waste solutions.
10. Are there any quotes, mottos, or beliefs that the organisation tries to adopt in all its work?
Eco-Justice Ethiopia operates under the core belief that “A clean and healthy environment is a basic human right.” This principle guides our advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement.
We also embrace the idea that “Sustainability is built on inclusion.” Waste pickers, compost makers, and grassroots environmental workers are not just participants in the waste management system but essential leaders in shaping sustainable solutions. By prioritising their voices, we work toward policies and programs that recognise and elevate their contributions.
Additionally, our work is driven by the understanding that “Justice is at the heart of environmental action.” Waste management is not just about disposal and efficiency; it intersects with labour rights, economic equity, and social dignity.
Every initiative we undertake seeks to ensure that environmental progress does not come at the expense of marginalised communities, but instead uplifts and empowers them.
These guiding values continue to shape our projects, inspire our collaborations, and strengthen our commitment to building a just and sustainable future for all.
Ends.
In Kenya, the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) is enhancing the capacity of waste pickers to reduce methane emissions.
The country generates a significant amount of organic waste, estimated at 5.72 million tons annually. This waste includes a variety of materials such as food waste, yard waste, agricultural waste, and more.
CEJAD is part of the “Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries” project, which is implemented by members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) in Africa. This initiative is funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and aims to improve methane mitigation through source separation and organic waste diversion.
In this article, the second in our ongoing series highlighting our members’ work under this project (see our first blog) , we speak with Dorothy Otieno, Programme Officer for the Plastics and Waste Management Programme at CEJAD. She shares insights about their efforts as a partner in Kenya for the “Mainstreaming Organic Waste Management Across 11 Countries” project.
1. Thank you for your time Dorothy, Can you provide an overview of your organisation and its mission, highlighting your key activities and focus areas?
Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) is a public interest Non-Governmental Organisation established in 2012. The organisation envisions a just and sustainable society. It is committed to achieving this vision by promoting sound management of chemicals and waste for better human health and the environment.
CEJAD’s work is organised around five core programme areas: i) Plastic pollution and waste management, ii) Elimination of highly hazardous pesticides, iii) Elimination of use of mercury, iv) Elimination of Lead use, v) Ozone and Climate.
CEJAD’s overall working approach multifaceted comprising i) Research across all the programme areas to generate data and knowledge on availability and impacts of chemicals and proposing policy recommendations to address the identified challenges, ii) Advocacy, using the generated knowledge to promote evidence – based decision making at the international, regional, national and local levels iii) Community engagement through implementation of pilot projects with communities as well as raising awareness on the findings of the research, policy implications and best practises.
CEJAD also serves as the co-convenor of the ‘Civil Society coalition to end plastic pollution in Kenya’, which collectively advocates for addressing plastic pollution comprehensively throughout its life cycle.
2. How has membership with the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) influenced your organisation’s work, and what benefits have you derived from this partnership?
Firstly, in addressing plastic pollution, CEJAD and GAIA jointly conducted Kenya’s first-ever brand audit in 2019. This initiative aimed to hold corporations accountable for plastic pollution impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Since then, CEJAD has continued to carry out brand audits to generate critical data that informs the design of material recovery facilities within zero waste project sites and supports advocacy for the equitable implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems.
Secondly, GAIA has played a vital role in supporting CEJAD’s efforts to establish, strengthen, and sustain waste picker associations in Kenya. Through this partnership, GAIA facilitated exchange visits that allowed Kenyan waste pickers to engage with their counterparts across Africa.
These exchanges, particularly with organisations such as groundWork and the South African Waste Pickers Association, have enriched the process of formalising waste picker groups by sharing regional experiences and best practices.
Thirdly, GAIA has been instrumental in enabling CEJAD to expand its focus to include organic waste management. This has helped CEJAD broaden its interventions, allowing for more targeted support to waste picker groups in addressing organic waste challenges and mitigating methane emissions from conventional waste management systems.
Lastly, GAIA’s continued support has been central to CEJAD’s implementation of zero waste systems. The transition towards adopting zero waste principles has increasingly become a core pillar of CEJAD’s Plastics and Waste Management Programme.
3. What are your thoughts on the waste crisis that many countries in the region are facing?
I absolutely love this question! The waste crisis affecting many countries in the region is the result of several interrelated and compounding factors.
First, it stems from the increasing complexity and rapid production of materials. Many of the products entering the market today, such as multi-layered plastics and single-use plastics, are designed in ways that make recycling nearly impossible. Their sheer volume, combined with the challenges of processing such materials, renders current waste management systems ineffective.
Consequently, inadequate and harmful practices like incineration, open burning, and indiscriminate dumping are often used to manage these problematic waste streams.
Second, waste is typically mixed at the point of generation, contaminating materials that could otherwise be composted or recycled. This mixed waste is usually collected and transported directly to dumpsites, where sorting and recovery become more labour-intensive.
Unfortunately, this burden often falls on waste pickers, who handle these unsanitary and challenging tasks with minimal recognition or compensation.
Third, the existing linear waste management systems are both unsustainable and costly. These systems rely heavily on the collection and transportation of waste to distant disposal sites, which require constant expansion and maintenance to accommodate more waste. This approach is neither scalable nor environmentally sound.
To effectively address these challenges, we need a systems-based approach grounded in zero waste principles and inclusive of all stakeholders. Waste management should be decentralised, with functional material recovery facilities built using locally available and cost-effective resources.
The transition doesn’t have to be expensive—it just needs to be intentional and collaborative. The private sector must adopt more sustainable production practices, and policymakers need to establish and enforce regulations that support a shift toward zero waste systems.
This project has been timely in supporting our efforts to advocate for methane emissions reduction from the waste sector. It has also added impetus to the organisation’s work with the current global discussions surrounding the transition of waste pickers, since it provides an alternative source of income for the workers.
5. Under the CCAC project, what are the primary campaigns or initiatives your organisation is currently implementing to address organic waste management challenges?
Through the project, the organisation has been building the capacity of waste pickers on i) linkages between organic waste, methane gas emissions and climate change; ii) Source separation and organic waste management.
The organisation, in collaboration with Kisumu County Waste Pickers Welfare Association, also organised a zero waste walk education and outreach campaign, which was undertaken in the Obunga area in Kisumu to educate the masses about the importance of waste separation at source. This walk that brought together more than 150 waste pickers was the first of its kind in the area and marked a significant milestone in community engagement around zero waste principles, highlighting the critical role of communities in effective waste management.
Additionally, the organisation has engaged both county and national government officials to discuss organic waste management and methane reduction strategies.
These dialogues have highlighted the need for targeted interventions across sectors, including technical, infrastructural, and financial support. Waste pickers emphasised the importance of incentives to encourage waste pickers and other stakeholders to participate in organic waste management efforts.
6. What has been a personal milestone or most memorable moment for your organisation working on this project?
The most memorable part for me and a milestone for the organisation is that this project marked our first targeted initiative addressing organic waste. We consulted waste pickers about their experiences, challenges and aspirations in managing organic waste. Based on those insights, we support the waste pickers’ capacity to manage this waste stream. Our efforts are also targeted towards ensuring that organic waste management is prioritised and integrated into the waste management laws with the meaningful involvement and support of waste pickers.
7. What are the most pressing issues related to organic waste management in your country, and how do these challenges continue to influence how your organisation works on the problems?
Organic waste is a waste stream often under-addressed compared to recyclable waste streams such as metal, paper, plastics, glass, etc. It is usually mixed with all other types of waste, making it challenging to retrieve from the mixture. Additionally, it is often bulky with leaking leachate. The odour that emanates from it is ‘unpleasant’ to communities, and places to conduct composting have to be further away from residential areas. Access to these dedicated spaces is often costly or difficult to access.
At the same time, many of the county governments in the country are also in the process of reviewing their waste management laws to domesticate the Sustainable Waste Management Act that was gazetted in 2022 and in that sense, integrated waste management systems which require waste sorting and data reporting, have yet to be established/implemented.
In response, CEJAD is currently supporting the implementation of zero waste systems, which ensure that waste is sorted and that waste generation data is collected. We are also in the process of supporting county governments in the review of their county laws to ensure that organic waste is sufficiently addressed.
In parallel, we continue to build the capacity of waste pickers by offering training in organic waste management techniques such as composting and black soldier fly farming.
8. Looking ahead to the next few years, what type of needs or support do you anticipate continuing advocacy on organic waste management in your country?
Based on the findings from the needs assessment conducted with waste pickers and policy makers, as well as consultation with decision makers, it is clear that organic waste management must be prioritised in the country as a key strategy for reducing methane emissions. To enable effective management of organic waste, several priority areas have been identified:
Provision of waste segregation infrastructure to households, accompanied by public awareness and sensitisation campaigns.
Support for securing or leasing dedicated spaces for the processing and managing of organic waste.
Training and capacity building for waste pickers, county officials, and other stakeholders involved in organic waste handling.
Procurement of tools and infrastructure for data collection, alongside developing reliable data management and reporting systems.
Promotion of enterprise development within the organic waste value chain.
Support for the standardisation and quality assurance of compost produced by waste pickers
9. How does your organisation’s work on waste management intersect with social justice concerns, and how do you address these intersections in your advocacy and programming?
CEJAD has been actively supporting waste pickers, who play a critical role in complementing government efforts in waste management, by helping them organise and formalise their associations. This formalisation enables them to advocate for their labour and social rights collectively.
Organised waste picker associations in Kenya are engaging with government officials to seek formal recognition and integration into waste management policies, legislation, and planning processes. They are also pursuing alternative income-generating opportunities beyond dumpsite work and campaigning for better access to healthcare.
As a result of formalisation, public perception of waste pickers is shifting positively, with communities gaining a better understanding of their essential role in upholding the right to a clean and healthy environment.
In parallel, CEJAD is promoting sustainable waste management solutions, such as zero waste systems, which have the potential to create more dignified and inclusive job opportunities.
The organisation continues to advocate against false solutions like waste incineration, which not only diverts attention from addressing unsustainable materials but also destroys valuable resources and eliminates potential livelihoods.
In contrast, zero waste approaches support environmental health and reduce the harmful effects of open dumping, effects that disproportionately impact waste pickers, surrounding communities, and local food systems.
10. Are there any quotes, mottos, or beliefs that the organisation tries to adopt in all its work?
Yes, it is “A just and sustainable society free of toxic chemicals.”
ENDS.
About Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD): Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD),is a registered public interest Non-Governmental Organization in Kenya. CEJAD works to promote sound management of chemicals and waste in order to protect the natural environment and wellbeing of the Kenyan people, especially vulnerable populations.
