Home - Global Waste Lab

Share waste wisdom and learn from other countries

Tailor waste strategies to meet local needs

Deliver a just transition to a circular economy

Use waste management to prevent pollution

Use waste management to protect our health

Build national waste management and circular economy expertise

At Global Waste Lab, we support both local leaders and global institutions to turn good intentions into practical, lasting impact.

Too often, research and delivery are disconnected, and solutions are proposed without real understanding of local budgets, systems, or cultures. That’s where we come in.

We work at both ends of the challenge – and connect them in ways that make change take root.

We support local leaders and partner with global institutions – to co-create waste solutions that work for people and place.

About the founder

Zoë Lenkiewicz has spent over 20 years working in waste – from local councils to international NGOs, from frontline teams to the United Nations.

Zoë has worked in 15 countries, leading and mentoring teams to build waste management capacity, prevent pollution and create dignified jobs.

She was lead author of two major UN reports – Towards Zero Waste (2022) and Beyond an Age of Waste: the Global Waste Management Outlook (2024) – and brings a rare mix of global insight and hands-on experience.

She founded Global Waste Lab to democratise waste wisdom – making sure practical knowledge reaches the people who need it most, in the places it matters most.

Two pathways, one mission

Together, the Academy and Studio form a learning-and-delivery ecosystem.
We build capacity from the ground up – and connect it with strategic funding, policy, and partnerships.

This is how circular systems grow – with those who know, for those who come next.

Practical tools and training for waste champions

We support waste managers, community leaders, youth groups and informal economy actors with the knowledge, tools, and peer connections they need to lead change they want to see.

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Strategic partnerships for lasting impact

We work with donors, non-profits, governments and businesses to design and deliver circular economy and waste programmes that are rooted in local culture and context, improve lives, and can grow organically.

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Together they bridge grassroots insight with global strategy – building solutions that last.

Diana Luckyta Sari, Yayasan Rijig Pradana Wetan, Indonesia

“In our programme, Zoë is like a “google”, accompanying us and providing input with full problem solving. She is knowledgeable, energetic, fun, supportive and also has a positive impact not only on our programme in Banyuwangi (Indonesia) but also a positive impact on us personally. We are very grateful to know her.”

Sofia Lara Schlezak, Chemicals and Waste Management Programme, Division for Planet, United Nations Institute for Training and Research

“Zoë is a brilliant expert and a genuine and compassionate individual. Her passion for making a positive impact on the world is contagious. During a recent mission to The Gambia, I learned how she can read and understand the context and adapt solutions to it. She also motivated our team to use resources effectively and helped us move things forward quickly. Her proactivity and willingness to provide authentic and insightful support are inspiring. I will always be grateful for her openness and for the opportunity to learn from her skills while we worked together.”

Adanna Kalejaye, University of Massachusetts, Boston

“Zoë exemplifies the rare combination of professional expertise and deep passion for her work. Her dedication to environmental sustainability is not just evident—it’s inspiring. Zoë’s vast knowledge stems from her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact, particularly in vulnerable communities. In every team we’ve worked on together, she has been a driving force, motivating us to deliver our very best, regardless of the challenges or audience.”