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 believe waste systems last when they are built around people, place and practical reality.

Too often, research sits far from delivery. Solutions are proposed without enough understanding of local budgets, institutions, skills, markets or culture. Projects may begin with good intentions, but struggle to take root.

We help bridge that gap.

We support local leaders, project teams and global institutions to turn evidence into action, strengthen local capacity, and build waste systems that are realistic, inclusive and resilient.

About the founder

Zoë Lenkiewicz has spent over 20 years working in waste management, from local councils and frontline teams to international NGOs and the United Nations.
She has worked across 15 countries, helping teams build waste management capacity, prevent pollution, strengthen services and create safer, more dignified livelihoods.
Zoë has authored two major UN reports – Towards Zero Waste (2023) and Beyond an Age of Waste: the Global Waste Management Outlook (2024). Her work brings together global evidence, practical field experience and a deep understanding of what it takes for waste systems to last.

She founded Global Waste Lab to democratise waste wisdom, so that practical knowledge does not stay locked in reports, conferences or consultancy circles, but reaches the people who can use it to create change.

Two pathways, one mission

Global Waste Lab brings learning and delivery together.
The Academy helps people build practical waste knowledge.
The Studio helps teams apply that knowledge to real projects and decisions.
Together, they turn waste wisdom into action.

 

GWL Academy pink and white 960

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.

Learn more

GWL Studio pink and white 960

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.

Learn more

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.”

GWL-strapline-300X87
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.