Zero Waste Germany e.V. is a German umbrella organisation that brings together local zero-waste associations and other groups committed to reducing waste at its source. Based in Nürnberg, Germany, the network was formally founded as an association on 29 March 2021. It describes itself as part of a broader movement to rethink consumption, production and resource use, with the aim of reducing waste and strengthening the circular economy.
The organisation works across four main areas: lifestyle, business, Zero Waste Cities and politics. In practice, that means it supports local campaigns, produces position papers on environmental legislation, and organises public events and debates with political representatives and other stakeholders. According to its public register entry, it also works to bring citizens, businesses, researchers, media and policymakers into regular dialogue on waste and environmental policy. The group has taken public positions on issues such as waste exports and draft rules for the circular economy.
Zero Waste Germany’s network role is both national and international. It is linked to the German alliance Bündnis Wege aus der Plastikkrise and is a member of the international Break Free From Plastic alliance. Zero Waste Europe lists the organisation as a national member network with 12 local member NGOs. The website also highlights recent network activity, including a “Network-Wide Gathering” in Slovenia, the “Münchner Müllfrei-Meile” campaign, and education work such as school “Bildungsboxen” developed with Mission EineWelt.
The organisation’s profile is that of a small but coordinated advocacy network: locally rooted, nationally active, and connected to European zero-waste policy discussions.