city overview

krakow, a city where history and modernity intertwine beneath the shadow of the wawel castle, stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovation in the heart of europe. as poland's former royal capital, krakow is not just a repository of medieval architecture and cultural heritage; it is also a vibrant urban center committed to embracing zero waste principles and fostering a circular economy. amidst its cobbled streets and picturesque landscapes, krakow is pioneering efforts to reduce waste, promote product repair, and engage its citizens in sustainable living practices.

fun facts

- krakow is home to the jagiellonian university, one of the oldest universities in the world, fostering education and innovation since 1364.

- the city is famous for its well-preserved medieval core and jewish quarter, attracting millions of tourists eager to explore its rich history.

- krakow has implemented several zero waste initiatives, including comprehensive recycling programs and local markets favoring unpackaged goods.

- it hosts numerous repair cafes and workshops, encouraging residents to fix rather than discard damaged items.

- krakow's public transportation system is moving towards sustainability, with an increasing number of electric buses and trams.

- the city boasts extensive green spaces, including the planty park, which encircles the old town, offering residents and visitors a green retreat within the urban landscape.

- krakow is a hub for cultural festivals that often incorporate themes of sustainability and environmental awareness.

- the city has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing its commitment to combating climate change and protecting the environment.

through its dedication to zero waste principles, circular economy efforts, and repair initiatives, krakow is not just preserving its glorious past but also paving the way for a sustainable future.

sustainability snapshot

accomplishments in zero waste and circular economy:

- waste management system overhaul: krakow has significantly improved its waste management system in recent years, emphasizing separation and recycling. the city has introduced a network of waste segregating bins across the city to encourage residents to separate their waste.

- krakow's green investment: the city has made substantial investments in green spaces and parks, which contribute to the circular economy by promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.

- zero waste events: krakow has hosted several successful zero waste events, including cultural festivals and markets, which focus on minimizing waste through reusable materials and educating the public on waste reduction strategies.

- support for local repair shops: krakow fosters a network of local repair shops and supports initiatives that promote product longevity, such as repair cafes and workshops aimed at teaching residents to fix their belongings.

- circular economy business models: the emergence of businesses in krakow adopting circular economy models has been notable. these include companies focusing on upcycling, product-as-a-service, and resource recovery.

ongoing projects:

- educational campaigns: krakow is continuously running educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and management, targeting schools, businesses, and households.

- expansion of recycling facilities: the city is working on expanding its recycling facilities to accommodate more types of recyclable materials, making it easier for residents to recycle.

- circular economy incubator: krakow is in the process of establishing a circular economy incubator to support startups that are developing innovative solutions to waste and resource use.

future goals:

- waste reduction targets: krakow aims to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by increasing the recycling rate and promoting composting.

- zero waste certification: the city has set a goal to achieve zero waste certification for its public institutions and is actively working towards this by implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.

- circular economy legislation: krakow aims to introduce local legislation to further support circular economy practices, including incentives for businesses that reduce waste and reuse materials.

waste statistics:

- recycling efforts: krakow's recycling initiatives are showing positive results, with an increasing trend in waste processing that underscores the city's dedication to sustainability.

- reducing waste generation: strategies to decrease the amount of waste each resident produces are actively being pursued, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

- landfill diversion goals: the city has established ambitious targets for diverting waste from landfills, highlighting krakow's focus on sustainable waste management and resource preservation.