Global Waste Lab helps people build waste management systems that work in real-world conditions.

Founded by waste management specialist Zoë Lenkiewicz, Lead Author of UNEP’s Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 and Towards Zero Waste: a catalyst for delivering the Sustainable Development Goals, Global Waste Lab focuses on practical, people-centred waste management for low- and middle-income contexts. Its work is grounded in the reality that waste management is not only a technical service, but a public health, climate, livelihoods and governance issue.

Global Waste Lab combines consultancy, training and knowledge-sharing through two connected streams: GWL Studio, which supports resilient waste projects, strategies and partnerships; and GWL Academy, which provides accessible learning for waste managers, municipal staff, community organisations and practitioners working in constrained settings. The Academy is designed to strengthen local capacity, share practical experience, and support the next generation of waste leaders across the Global South.

Global Waste Lab’s approach is built around local ownership, appropriate solutions, financial sustainability, inclusion, and the recognition of existing expertise within communities and waste systems. Its mission is to help move the sector beyond short-term projects and towards waste systems that are practical, investable, and able to last.