A new analysis by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has revealed that governments are missing out on simple and cost-effective opportunities to curb methane emissions from waste.

The study, which examined 14 recently submitted national climate plans (NDCs), found that most countries are overlooking zero waste strategies that could significantly reduce emissions and create jobs.

In a statement released disclosed that the reviewed NDCs came from Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all of which have signed the Global Methane Pledge and the Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste. Despite this commitment, GAIA’s analysis found that ten of the plans were weak or even counterproductive, with none fully capturing the potential environmental and social benefits of adopting a zero waste approach.

Brazil Leads Progress, Others Fall Behind

Among the countries assessed, Brazil stood out for showing “significant progress” from its previous NDC, demonstrating strong policy framing and concrete measures to manage organic waste. Bangladesh, Chile, Colombia, and Nigeria were also noted for highlighting a just transition, including plans for job retraining, skills development, and addressing challenges faced by informal waste workers.

However, GAIA warned that most national plans failed to integrate the role of waste pickers key players in implementing zero waste systems. Several countries, including Nepal, Uruguay, Colombia, Morocco, and Bangladesh, also proposed expanding waste-to-energy projects such as incineration, which GAIA says emit carbon dioxide, undermine recycling efforts, and eliminate livelihoods.

“Too Many Plans Focus on Disposal Over Prevention”

“It is good to see increased attention on waste sector mitigation potential in national climate plans,” said Doun Moon, GAIA’s Policy and Research Officer. “However, too many plans focus on waste disposal rather than prevention or material recovery, often favoring private profits over people. Our research shows that community-led zero waste initiatives are one of the fastest, cheapest ways to cut methane emissions.”

Waste is responsible for roughly 20 percent of human-caused methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

According to GAIA, adopting best practices such as source separation, composting, bio-stabilization, and bio-covers for dumpsites can reduce these emissions by up to 95 percent while creating sustainable employment.

More broadly, the organization notes that 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions stem from the material economy. A well-implemented zero waste strategy, following the reduce, reuse, recycle hierarchy, can cut emissions at every stage of production and consumption.

Call to Action Ahead of COP30

GAIA is urging governments, especially those in the Global South, to embrace zero waste as a key climate solution and to center waste pickers and communities in implementation.

“The upcoming COP30 climate conference is a moment to share success stories and get money flowing to the people making things happen on the ground,” said Mariel Vilela, GAIA’s Global Climate Program Director.

GAIA has also issued detailed policy recommendations for Chile, Indonesia, and South Africa to support the integration of zero waste practices into their climate commitments.

The organization, which represents over 1,000 grassroots groups and alliances across more than 100 countries, continues to advocate for community-led, zero waste solutions as a critical pathway to curbing methane emissions and achieving a just transition toward sustainable waste management.