Municipal waste companies are traditionally expected to collect and treat waste, but they have the potential to offer much more than efficient waste collection. When they shift into strategic resource management, they help cities and regions prevent waste, keep existing materials in circulation and build stronger local circular economies. Even a few key changes can create new job opportunities, help your city meet EU and national circularity targets, and make communities more resilient.

Local waste services have a key role to play in boosting circularity by improving recycling quality, engaging members of the public in local initiatives like reuse and repair programmes, and collaborating with partners across the community. Drawing on insights generated through the CCRI community of practice on Municipal Waste Companies for Circular Cities, this workshop focuses on practical steps alongside real-life examples of municipal waste companies as strategic enablers of local circular economy transitions.

Experienced facilitators will guide you through three transformation pathways: 

• From waste collection to system integration, 
• Municipal waste companies as circular economy hubs, 
• Municipal waste companies as educators and change agents.

First-hand cases from IOK Waste Management (BE), Renosyd (DK) and Lounais-Suomen Jätehuolto (FI) will show inspiring ways in which municipal waste companies are already strengthening local circular systems.

The workshop will combine short expert input with interactive discussions, enabling participants to exchange experiences, reflect on their own local contexts and identify practical opportunities for strengthening the role of municipal waste companies in the circular transition.

This webinar is organised by the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) which focuses on implementing the circular economy across Europe’s cities and regions. It will take place at 10:00-11:30 CEST on 28 October. Register here.