European Week for Waste Reduction

About This Event

The European Week for Waste Reduction is a free online awareness campaign running from 21 to 29 November 2026, coordinated by ACR+ (Association of Cities and Regions for sustainable Resource management) and supported by 34 regional and local coordinators across 33 countries. The 2026 edition focuses on material sufficiency. Participants register actions between 1 September and 15 November 2026 through the EWWR website or national platforms. The campaign is open to public authorities, businesses, schools, organisations and individual citizens across Europe.

The programme centres on waste prevention through the 10Rs framework: refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle and rot. Actions can address different waste streams and may include workshops, repair events, public procurement changes, educational activities or community initiatives. The campaign provides resources, case studies and communication materials to help participants plan and deliver their actions. Outstanding initiatives may be recognised through the EWWR Awards.

This campaign matters to UK SMEs and sustainability leads because it provides a structured framework and ready-made resources for organising waste reduction activities. The focus on material sufficiency aligns with business cost savings through reduced consumption and better resource management. Access to examples from across Europe offers practical ideas that can be adapted to UK contexts, while participation demonstrates environmental commitment to customers and stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

• Registration open 1 September to 15 November 2026 for actions during the week
• Focus on material sufficiency and the 10Rs of waste prevention
• Free resources, case studies and communication materials provided to participants
• Actions can be recognised through the EWWR Awards programme

Who Should Attend

• UK SME owners planning waste reduction initiatives or seeking practical examples
• Sustainability leads looking for structured frameworks and European best practice
• Businesses wanting to demonstrate environmental commitment through public participation
• Schools, community groups and public bodies organising awareness-raising activities