„On-the-road-to-COP30“

Project

„On-the-road-to-COP30“: Dialogue on Waste and Circular Economy as a Contribution to Environmental and Climate Protection

As part of the strategic partnership with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), a bridging dialogue series will be organized and conducted in the lead-up to the 30th UN Climate Conference (COP30), which will take place from November 10 to 21, 2025 in Belém, Brazil. The central core event will be held during IFAT Brasil 2025 and represents the main activity of the initiative.

Objective

The objective of the project is to strengthen the role of the waste and circular economy as an integral part of global environmental and climate protection. A particular focus will be placed on highlighting Brazil’s position and developing joint measures together with relevant national and international stakeholders and initiatives. These measures are intended to be jointly presented at COP30 to send a strong, cross-sectoral signal for climate action.

Within the framework of the project, Germany will have the opportunity to showcase its leading role in the Global Methane Pledge, to present its pioneering waste policy on the international stage, and to actively support initiatives such as “Waste to Zero.” At the same time, the declaration signed at COP29 on the elimination of methane from organic waste is to be further advanced.

The project establishes a link between COP28, COP29 and COP30 and contributes to the continued advancement of the circular economy topic within international climate negotiations. The focus is particularly on countries of the Global South, with special attention given to building recycling infrastructure in Africa and South America.

To ensure the long-term impact of the initiative, an extended series of events is planned beyond the core event. These formats – including presentations, panel discussions, and workshops – aim to foster deeper engagement with the topic, develop strategic solutions, and strengthen the visibility of the waste and recycling sector in the international climate dialogue. Ultimately, the project serves to prepare the sector both technically and politically for a strong presence at COP30.

Background

Globally, waste generation is increasing rapidly – in industrialized as well as emerging and developing countries – while adequate waste management infrastructure is lacking in many regions. A large portion of waste ends up untreated in dumpsites and landfills, which cause significant environmental and climate damage. Particularly problematic are biodegradable wastes, which release methane during decomposition – a greenhouse gas with 28 times the global warming potential of CO₂. Due to a lack of technical equipment, methane is often released uncontrolled into the atmosphere, a situation exacerbated by fires, leachate, and odor pollution.

Germany counteracted this trend early on through forward-looking waste policy and a ban on the landfilling of untreated municipal waste, reducing its methane emissions in the waste sector by over 92%. As a “champion” of the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), Germany now plays a leading international role. The expansion of organic waste treatment contributes not only to climate protection, but also to food security, soil improvement, and climate adaptation.

Despite such progress, the topic of waste management remains underrepresented in global climate negotiations – even though effective waste management could reduce up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With the “Waste to Zero” initiative, the waste sector gained attention for the first time at COP28. The upcoming COP30 in November 2025 in Brazil – a key partner in Germany’s environmental cooperation – offers a unique opportunity to build on this momentum.

Brazil is one of the most populous countries in the world and among the largest waste producers. At the same time, its waste sector remains highly fragmented and insufficient in many areas. Although legislative reforms such as Law No. 14.026 have created new frameworks for waste management, major implementation deficits persist – especially regarding the closure of informal dumpsites and the establishment of sustainable disposal structures.

COP30 presents a strategic platform to bring these challenges to global attention and to initiate transformative actions – for example, through technology and knowledge transfer. Targeted contributions from Germany, particularly through enhanced collaboration with Brazilian stakeholders, can not only have a local impact but also contribute to global decarbonization of the waste sector.

Events

May 15, 2025 | Accelerator Session WCEF2025: On the road to COP30: Climate Protection through Waste Management Stats

On the road to COP30: Climate protection through waste management stats

Date: May 15, 2025 | 3.00 – 5.00 pm BRT
Place: Online

The accelerator session will be part of an event series and the opening session for “On-the-road-to-COP30: Waste management and circular economy’s role as contribution to environmental & climate protection”. Since the role of proper waste management systems and recycling of secondary raw materials as part of an implemented circular economy are receiving more and more attention within the COP discussions, tangible numbers could catalyze these discussions while helping to quantify the source of emissions.

Practical and local examples along the material stream of plastic will be given by the experiences and projects of adelphi and BlackForest Solutions for LAC countries to make levers for practical implementation visible.

What to expect from your session?

How can we link waste management to climate change? Which role do proper waste management systems, including recycling of materials, play in CO2 mitigation? This session aims to dig deeper into carbon emissions and quantifications resulting from best practices in waste management. The session is the opening part of an event series “On the road to COP30”.

Registration: Closed

Organizers: German RETech Partnership e.V. , Reverse Lab and Adelphi with BlackForest Solutions GmbH

Part of: World Circular Economy Forum 2025

June 16, 2025 | “Let’ talk about waste and climate” | Bonn, Germany

Date: Monday, 16 June 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: UNIDO at the UN Campus in Bonn, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn
Organized by: ISWA-Germany (RETech and DGAW)

Registration: Link
Deadline: May 28, 2025
Alternatively, you can send an e-mail with your title, first name, surname and, if applicable, institution to international@dgaw.de.

Please note: The number of participants is limited, registrations will be considered in the order in which they are received and will be notified accordingly on June 4, 2025.

This year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held in Belém, Brazil, in November. Germany is in a unique position to contribute: the UNFCCC Secretariat, which supports the preparation of COP30, is based in Bonn. Ahead of the conference, the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies for Implementation (SBI) and for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) will meet in Bonn from 16 to 26 June 2025, bringing together delegates from around the world.

Against this backdrop, RETech and DGAW, as the national member of ISWA, invite you to a dedicated info session focused on international climate protection activities – and the essential role of waste and circular economy systems in achieving climate goals.

Program Highlight:

Keynote by Anja Schwetje (German Environment Agency)
As Co-Lead of the Waste Hub of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and Vice-Chair of ISWA’s Working Group on Climate Change and Waste Management, Anja Schwetje will share key insights into Germany’s climate achievements in the waste and circular economy sector. She will also highlight current priorities and international cooperation efforts, offering a global perspective on how waste management can actively contribute to climate protection.

Following the keynote, participants will have the opportunity to connect with one another and with delegates from other continents – and discuss which topics ISWA-Germany could bring forward at COP30.

Note: The event will be held primarily in English, with some contributions in German.
As the venue is located on extraterritorial UN grounds, all participants must register in advance and present a valid ID at the entrance gate.

June 26, 2025 | IFAT Orange Stage: Circular Economy & Waste Management: On the road to COP30 and beyond | São Paulo, Brazil

Orange Stage – IFAT Brasil

Circular Economy & Waste Management: On the road to COP30 and beyond

Date: June 26, 2025 | 1.30 – 4.00 pm BRT
Place Orange Stage IFAT Brasil | São Paulo, Brazil

Program: Link
Registration: Free Ticket IFAT Brasil

Organizers: ISWA, German RETech Partnership e.V., Umweltbundesamt, BlackForest Solutions GmbH
Part of: World Circular Economy Forum 2025 – Side Event, IFAT Brasil

June 26, 2025 | International Workshop I: A Road Trip to Accelerate Collaboration GER & EU – BRA & LAC | São Paulo, Brazil

International Workshop I

A Road Trip to Accelerate Collaboration GER & EU – BRA & LAC

Date: June 26, 2025 | 10.00 am – 1.00 pm BRT
Place: Venue IFAT Brazil | São Paulo, Brazil

Program: Link
Pre-Registration

Organizers: German RETech Partnership e.V., Umweltbundesamt, BlackForest Solutions GmbH, Deutsch-Brasilianische Industrie- und Handelskammer
Part of: World Circular Economy Forum 2025 – Side Event, IFAT Brasil