| Description | Greenhouse gas emissions from waste management constitute a significant but frequently underestimated component of urban carbon footprints. The article explains that these emissions mainly result from landfilling biodegradable waste, inadequate waste separation, and inefficient material use across product life cycles, with methane posing a particularly serious climate risk. It argues that reducing waste-related emissions is closely connected to the transition toward a circular economy based on prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials and energy. The text highlights that such an approach can bring multiple benefits to cities, including lower emissions, cost savings, and improved quality of life for residents. It outlines key EU legislation that requires cities to reduce landfilling, increase recycling rates, and modernize waste management systems in line with the European Green Deal. The paper emphasizes the leading role of cities participating in the EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030,” which are implementing zero-waste strategies, circular economy hubs, and digital monitoring of waste flows. It concludes that effective waste management for climate neutrality requires integrated, circular, and citizen-centered approaches that combine technical solutions with public engagement and strategic urban planning. |
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