Synergies between waste reduction, resource efficiency and energy systems decarbonisation

Current patterns of production and consumption have far-reaching consequences for global resources, greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation. Transitioning to a more sustainable, circular and zero waste economy requires action across entire value chains, from preventing waste generation to improving the management of unavoidable waste. This report, prepared by the International Energy Agency (IEA) at the request of the Türkiye COP31 Presidency, examines how action at the intersection of waste reduction, circularity and energy systems decarbonisation can contribute towards the Presidency’s target to halve the projected growth in global municipal solid waste generation by 2035 while strengthening circularity. It focuses on three high-potential action areas: waste prevention and material efficiency; collection, sorting and recycling; and sustainable energy recovery from unavoidable residual waste. Together, measures in these areas could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually by 2035, including considerable reductions in potent methane emissions. The report concludes with policy options to help governments accelerate progress in these areas.