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

The Global Waste Lab is here to demystify waste management and share proven, affordable and appropriate solutions tailored for places where waste management services are developing.

Current models aren’t enabling change at the pace needed to prevent the worst impacts of pollution from waste. Research and practice are often disjointed, while outside experts often propose solutions that aren’t cost-effective or suitable for local contexts or cultures.

“I founded the Global Waste Lab to democratise waste wisdom and ensure that expertise is available where it is most needed – in your hands.”

Zoë Lenkiewicz is an award-winning waste management specialist with more than two decades’ experience in local government, academia, consultancy, international non-profits, and the United Nations. Zoë supports teams across the Global South and was lead author of two key UN reports on waste management: Towards Zero Waste: a catalyst for delivering the SDGs and Beyond an Age of Waste: Global Waste Management Outlook 2024.

Accessible learning

Gain the skills to implement waste management systems with confidence

Designed for you

Choose the best fit for you – fully online, coach-supported or tailored programmes

Real world insights

Built on real-world insights and best practice from waste managers in 40+ countries

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.”

Consultancy

In-person or remote support for your waste management projects

Mentorship

Advisory for waste management teams in the Global South

Workshops

Pop-up Global Waste Lab Academies