city overview

zagreb, the vibrant capital city of croatia, stands as a beacon of cultural richness, historical depth, and environmental consciousness. nestled along the majestic river sava and beneath the scenic medvednica mountain, zagreb is a city where the pulse of modern urban life harmoniously blends with a strong commitment to sustainability and green living. as a leader in promoting zero waste principles, zagreb is pioneering efforts to transform urban environments into models of efficiency, resilience, and ecological responsibility.

fun facts

- zagreb is home to one of the oldest public transport systems in europe, which includes trams, buses, and trains, encouraging residents and visitors alike to opt for eco-friendly modes of transportation.

- the city boasts the green horseshoe, a u-shaped system of parks and gardens that not only provides stunning green spaces but also acts as the lungs of the city, reinforcing zagreb's commitment to environmental preservation.

- zagreb's dolac market, known as the "belly of zagreb," champions the zero waste philosophy by offering fresh, locally-sourced produce, reducing the need for packaging and long-distance transportation.

- the initiative "zagreb loves you" focuses on making the city more accessible to bicycles, promoting cycling as a sustainable alternative to car travel, and reducing urban carbon footprints.

- zagreb hosts an annual "zero waste festival," which educates and engages citizens in waste reduction strategies, sustainable living practices, and the importance of product repair over replacement.

- the city has implemented a comprehensive waste management system that emphasizes recycling, composting, and reducing landfill use, showcasing zagreb's leadership in circular economy efforts.

- repair cafes and workshops are increasingly popular in zagreb, encouraging people to fix broken items instead of discarding them, supporting a culture of repair, and fostering community engagement.

zagreb's dedication to sustainability, its vibrant urban life, and its rich cultural tapestry make it an exemplary model for cities worldwide striving towards a zero waste and circular economy future. through continued education, engagement, and innovative practices, zagreb is not just preserving its beauty and heritage for future generations but also leading the way in urban environmental stewardship.

sustainability snapshot

zagreb, the capital and largest city of croatia, is steadily progressing on the path to sustainability with a keen focus on zero waste, circular economy, and repair initiatives. the city has been working on various fronts to engage its citizens in sustainable practices and is committed to improving its environmental footprint.

zero waste accomplishments and objectives:

- green waste management: zagreb has implemented a green waste collection system, encouraging the separation of organic waste from other types of waste. this has led to the development of composting facilities that turn organic waste into valuable compost for agricultural use.

- recycling programs: enhanced recycling programs have been put in place, with accessible recycling bins for different waste streams, like paper, glass, plastic, and metal.

- educational campaigns: the city has launched educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and proper waste sorting among its residents.

- zero waste strategy: zagreb aims to develop a comprehensive zero waste strategy that includes measures to prevent waste generation and increase the reuse of materials.

circular economy strategies:

- circular business support: the city has begun to support businesses that adopt circular economy models, providing incentives for companies that design products for longevity, reuse, and repair.

- local food systems: efforts have been made to strengthen local food systems through urban gardening projects and farmers' markets, reducing the need for long-distance food transportation and packaging waste.

- resource recovery: zagreb is investing in resource recovery facilities that can turn waste into new materials, thus minimizing the need for virgin resources.

repair initiatives:

- repair cafés: community-driven repair cafés have been established, where residents can bring broken items for repair, learn repair skills, and reduce the need for new purchases.

- repair education: the city supports educational workshops in schools and community centers to teach valuable repair skills and encourage a culture of repair.

- support for repair businesses: incentives have been introduced for businesses that focus on repairing electronics, clothing, and other goods, helping to extend the life of products and reduce waste.

future goals:

- waste reduction targets: zagreb has set ambitious waste reduction targets for the coming years, aiming to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

- expansion of circular economy: the city plans to expand its circular economy initiatives, integrating more industries and sectors into this sustainable model.

- innovative technology: investment in new technologies for waste sorting and recycling is planned to further improve the efficiency of waste management systems.

waste statistics:

- recycling rate: the recycling rate in zagreb has been steadily increasing, with the aim to reach and exceed eu recycling targets.

- landfill diversion: efforts to divert waste from landfills have resulted in a notable decrease in landfill-bound waste, with a continued downward trend expected.

- waste generation: the per capita waste generation in zagreb is under scrutiny, with measures in place to monitor and decrease the amount of waste produced by each resident.

zagreb's commitment to sustainability is reflected in these initiatives and goals, embracing zero waste and circular economy principles. by focusing on education, community engagement, and supporting local repair and recycling industries, the city is paving the way towards a greener future.