The International Day of Zero Waste, established by United Nations General Assembly resolution 77/161, is jointly facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). 

Observed annually on 30 March, Zero Waste Day brings together governments, organizations, businesses, communities and individuals to take action by eliminating waste, embracing circular solutions and creating a cleaner, healthier planet.

In 2025, the Day focused on sustainable fashion and textiles, reaching more than  8 million people online. There were more than 250 activities globally, including UNEP flagship events in Nairobi, New York, Zhejiang, Paris and Geneva.

In 2026, the theme will spotlight food waste, highlighting the connections between food systems, climate action and sustainable development, and inspiring global efforts to prevent and reduce food loss and waste. 

Zero Waste Day Reports:  

2023 

30 March 2023 marked the inaugural International Day of Zero Waste. The day promoted zero-waste initiatives and highlights how they can reduce resource use and produce less waste and pollution at all stages of a product’s life cycle to advance sustainable development. 

2024 

The second annual Zero Waste Day focused on bolstering waste management and promoting sustainable production and consumption at all levels. 

2025 

The third Zero Waste Day for 2025 was observed with a theme “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles”, focused on the urgent need to take action to reduce the waste impact from the fashion and textile sector and promoted sustainability and circularity.