Zero Waste Asia

01/10/2026

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) strongly condemns the denial of entry into Miri, Sarawak of its President, Meenakshi Raman, today, 29 September 2026. Meena

30/09/2026

Across cities in Asia, over half of municipal waste is organic—and a massive portion is food waste rotting in dumpsites, driving the region’s surging methane emissions.

Coming right off International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW), one reality connects communities across our region: we cannot meet Asia's climate commitments without transforming how we handle organic waste.

Last week, regional advocates, policymakers, and grassroots movements convened at the Second Regional Congress on Organics and Climate in Jakarta to spotlight the proven path forward: mandatory source separation and decentralized community management.

When food scraps and organic waste are separated where they are produced—in households, neighborhood markets, and commercial kitchens—they stop fueling landfill fires and climate pollution. Instead, they become nutrient-rich compost, community biogas, and animal feed that regenerate Asian soils and build local climate resilience.

From neighborhood-scale composting in the Philippines and India to decentralized village models in Indonesia, solutions are already working across the region. The priority now is not inventing new technology—it is securing municipal roadmaps, dedicated local budget allocations (~3%), and cross-border solidarity to scale what works.

A huge salute to GAIA members Dietplastik Indonesia and Aliansi Zero Waste Indonesia, alongside regional allies, for co-organizing this vital platform and proving that community-rooted zero waste is the best climate strategy.

Every kitchen, market, and city across Asia holds the solution:

1️⃣ Cut food loss and waste from farm to fork
2️⃣ Separate organics strictly at source
3️⃣ Prioritize decentralized, community-first treatment

https://aliansizerowaste.id/2026/09/25/klh-dorong-pemilahan-dari-sumber-dan-keterlibatan-masyarakat-dalam-pengelolaan-sampah-organik/

SIARAN PERS Untuk disiarkan segera Jakarta, 25 September 2026 — Wakil Menteri Lingkungan Hidup/Wakil Kepala BPLH Diaz Faisal Malik Hendropriyono

29/09/2026

On the final day of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Annual Meeting, the question is not just where the money goes—but who pays the price?

From the North Dhaka Waste-to-Energy Project to Thailand’s planned 12-incinerator WTE expansion, communities are confronting concerns over pollution, public health, livelihoods, financial risks, environmental safeguards, and meaningful participation.

These cases show why AIIB must look beyond the promise of “energy from waste” and scrutinize what these projects mean for people and the environment on the ground. A just and circular transition cannot be built by burning more waste. It must prioritize waste prevention, reduction and reuse, decentralized community-based systems, and the livelihoods of waste workers and affected communities.

At the AIIB Annual Meeting, we call for greater scrutiny, stronger safeguards, and financing that puts communities and Zero Waste—not incineration—at the center of Asia’s transition.

Through the Global Week of Action to Stop Incineration, October 13-16, 2026, GAIA and allies will bring these issues into the spotlight and amplify the voices of communities challenging waste incineration across Asia and beyond.

Read more on the two AIIB-funded WTE projects in Bangladesh written by CLEAN - Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network and in Thailand written by GAIA Asia Pacific in collaboration with EARTH Thailand in the AIIB Observer published by the NGO Forum on ADB. https://www.forum-adb.org/_files/ugd/898604_a71ddc760bdb43bc9567dc99426fb13c.pdf?index=true

28/09/2026

Bhumi Green Energy WTE plant in Sangli, Maharashtra, India temporarily shut down, residents demand permanent closure and nationwide incinerator ban!

Ahead of the upcoming Global Week of Action to Stop Incineration, let us celebrate this shut down!

A report by Paryavaran Rakshan Samiti Sangli, National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ) and Center for Financial Accountability details the list of the WTE plant’s violations, which include, but not limited to:

-Failure to submit environmental compliance and monitoring reports
-Dumping untreated wastewater into streams connected to Warana River
-Operating combustion chambers far below the mandated 950°C required for safe incineration
-Non-operational pollution-control systems
-Inadequate emissions and ash monitoring and management
-Failure to conduct dioxins and furans monitoring

Agricultural officials also documented ash on crops 1-1.5 km from the site, while farmers reported declining crop growth and agricultural yield, forcing some to leave their land fallow or switch crops. Residents also reported persistent suffering from foul odours, respiratory ailments, eye and skin irritations.

In light of these findings, the Sub-Divisional Officer of the Miraj Sub-Division, Sangli district has issued an official order to temporarily shut down the Bhumi Green Energy Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant.

Residents demand for a permanent closure of the facility and for officials to consider this case a warning against the establishment of new WTE plants. They also call for environmental restoration, community compensation, and a shift toward zero-waste solutions such as reduction, reuse, recycling and composting.

Want to know more? Read the full report here:
:link:https://cenfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Final-Final-Fact-Finding-Report-Sangli-WTE.pdf

26/09/2026

The plastics crisis demands more than promises. It demands structural change.

The question is not simply how to manage plastic waste, but how far countries are willing to go to prevent plastic pollution at its source. GAIA members in Asia Pacific demand accountability from their leaders to ensure ambition is upheld at the Heads of Delegation (HODs) meeting in Bangkok starting tomorrow.

From production and product design to finance, implementation, accountability, and a just transition, the choices being discussed will shape the future of global action on plastics. The challenge is clear: move beyond false solutions, confront the drivers of plastic pollution, and build a treaty that delivers real, systemic change.

To see more insights from other GAIA AP members, you can read more responses to the Bangkok HODs Guide Questions here:https://resolutions.unep.org/incres/uploads/ap_responses_to_the_guiding_questions_for_in-person_hods_meeting_in_bangkok_september_2026.pdf

26/09/2026

From learning to leading!

Day 2 of the Zero Waste Academy explored reuse in action, unpacked false solutions, and showcased the inspiring Zero Waste journey of Brgy. Potrero in Malabon.

Two days of learning, sharing, and building stronger leaders for zero waste cities!

Zero Waste Academy is organized by GAIA Asia Pacific, with support from Mother Earth Foundation and Yaksa Pelestari Bumi Berkelanjutan.

24/09/2026

Zero Waste Academy participants and alumni showed up strong at the 2nd Regional Congress for Organics and Climate in Jakarta!

From tackling super pollutants and food waste to accelerating Zero Waste solutions, our Zero Waste Academy Network is turning knowledge into action and strengthening connections across the region.

Zero Waste Academy: Leadership for Zero Waste Cities and Zero Waste Academy: Organics Management as Climate Action Course are organized by GAIA Asia Pacific, with the support of Mother Earth Foundation and Yaksa Pelestari Bumi Berkelanjutan.

📸 C Cantorne

24/09/2026

Closing out two days of regional solidarity and vision, Vice Minister Diaz Faisal Malik Hendropriyono takes the stage for his closing address. In his remarks, he declared the full support of his ministry, expressed warm appreciation for the foundational Bengaluru Declaration, and commended the commitment of partners rallying behind the forthcoming Jakarta Declaration.

His address reinforces the vital role of multi-stakeholder partnerships and institutional backing in scaling decentralized zero waste and curbing super-polluting methane emissions.

NEXT STOP: PHILIPPINES!

In the finale announcement, it was officially revealed that the 3rd Regional Organics Congress will be hosted in the Philippines, co-organized by GAIA members Mother Earth Foundation PH, the Philippine National Waste Workers' Alliance, and the Zero Waste Cities Network PH!

From bold city pledges to frontline waste worker inclusion, this Congress has shown that Asia’s community-led movement is unstoppable on the road to COP31. 🌏💚

📲 Catch the final moments and explore resources at organics.zerowaste.asia

👀 Stay tuned—the Jakarta Declaration drops next!

The 2nd Regional Congress on Organics and Climate is made possible through the generous support of The Global Methane Hub, Sequoia Climate Foundation, the Urban Movement Innovation Fund, and the Plastic Solutions Fund.

Dietplastik Indonesia Aliansi Zero Waste Indonesia YPBB Bandung Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)



Photos courtesy of Shibu Nair and Yunitasari (Olla)

24/09/2026

Everyone has the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment—yet waste pollution and false solutions like incineration continue to fuel climate breakdown while burdening communities with severe health risks.

Launched live at the SecondRegional Organics Congress, we are proud to announce the theme for International Zero Waste Month 2027: : Climate Action for Healthy Communities and Planet

Real climate action starts with safeguarding our well-being. By slashing greenhouse gas emissions at the source and clearing toxic threats from our air, water, and soil, genuine Zero Waste systems protect frontline populations and prove that a cooler planet means healthier communities.

Claim your right. Stand with us for real Zero Waste solutions.

Sign up International Zero Waste Month 2027: https://tinyurl.com/IZWM2027SignUp

24/09/2026

Day 2 of the 2nd Regional Organics Congress is now live!

Click on this link:

Day 2 of 2nd Regional Congress on Organics and Climate Change from ...