Zero Waste Lab

Zero Waste Lab (ZeWaLab – Associação Lixo Zero) is an independent hub and laboratory in Lisbon whose work is piloting collaborative solutions towards a zero waste, regenerative society. It brings activists, civil society organisations, researchers and communities together to debate, research and test new approaches to reducing waste and intervening in the life cycle of materials. As an NGO, it runs talks and debates, awareness and education campaigns, hands-on workshops, community and pilot projects, consultancy and professional training. One of its main initiatives is the WasteLess Manifesto, a movement created to amplify young people's voices and inspire collective action around zero waste principles. In Europe, it takes part in cross-border projects. It co-promotes the REPLAY pilot project with Precious Plastic. Through the Zero Waste Urban Parks initiative, it works with organisations in Belgium, Spain and Portugal to make public parks litter-free. In Portugal, it's part of the wider circular economy network and sits with Circular Economy Portugal and other stakeholders in working groups on reuse and repair. The European Climate Pact has recognised Zero Waste Lab. Its message is that waste prevention starts before recycling, and it argues for systemic change in how materials are produced, consumed and managed. A small team of 2–10 people works from the LX Office in Lisbon, and the organisation is still growing its network and influence across Portugal and Europe.