Caribbean nations lead zero waste movement at World Circular Economy Forum 2025

The Latin America and the Caribbean region generates over 541,000 tonnes of waste daily, with 90% ending up in disposal sites such as landfills and garbage dumps, according to a World Bank report. The Caribbean alone contributes more than 10,000 tonnes each day, much of which pollutes the ocean or fills disposal sites. This growing waste crisis poses serious environmental threats, endangering marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal communities.

The Zero Waste in the Caribbean initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Government, is reshaping waste management across the region, in collaboration with Cariforum and development partners like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). This initiative is strategically aligned with the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda. This ambitious project is more than a cleanup effort—it’s a transformative shift toward circular economies, marine conservation, and green job creation.

At the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF2025) in São Paulo, Brazil, Caribbean representatives from Trinidad, Grenada, Belize, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, as well as development partner Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), joined world leaders, innovators and circular economy champions in showcasing innovative solutions that tackle fragmented waste policies, introduce cutting-edge waste treatment technologies and strengthen legislative frameworks. Their presence underscores the importance of global collaboration in scaling these efforts, positioning the Caribbean as a leader in sustainable development.

Why is this important?

By aligning with WCEF2025's vision, the Caribbean is proving that zero waste strategies can drive economic growth, protect marine ecosystems and foster innovation—making this more than just a regional initiative, but a blueprint for global sustainability.

At WCEF2025, May 13-16, Caribbean delegates had the opportunity to:

• Showcase tangible progress on national waste bans, circular business models, and recycling innovations;
• Forge strategic partnerships with financiers and development organizations to scale solutions;
• Amplify island priorities in global discussions on the bio-economy, regeneration, and sustainable production;
• Gain insights from regions at the forefront of circular transitions, including Latin America and the Pacific.

The Caribbean's participation in WCEF 2025 fostered collaboration, networking, and private sector engagement, advancing national circular economy initiatives while also unlocking investment opportunities for sustainable growth. As global leaders shaped the future of sustainable growth, the Caribbean stood proudly as both a frontline region and a source of circular innovation.

Let’s continue bridging regional action with global transformation—because Zero Waste isn’t just local, it’s a driving force in a worldwide movement. The Caribbean is proving that small nations can lead big change!