city overview

vienna, austria's capital, nestles along the banks of the danube river, weaving a tapestry of rich history, vibrant culture, and pioneering sustainability efforts. this city, known for its imperial palaces, artistic heritage, and musical masterpieces, is also at the forefront of embracing zero waste principles and fostering a circular economy. vienna's commitment to reducing waste, enhancing product longevity, and promoting repair over replacement sets a commendable example for urban centers worldwide.

fun facts

- vienna consistently ranks as one of the world's most livable cities, with its dedication to environmental sustainability playing a pivotal role in these accolades.

- the city boasts an extensive network of repair and reuse centers, known as "48er-tandler," where residents can donate, purchase, or repair used goods, thereby giving them a second life and reducing waste.

- vienna has implemented comprehensive waste management strategies, including the "mistplatz" recycling centers, which are accessible to all residents and facilitate the proper disposal and recycling of a wide array of materials.

- the "wiener linien" public transport system in vienna is not only efficient but also eco-friendly, significantly reducing the city's carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable urban mobility.

- vienna's urban gardening and community farming initiatives offer city dwellers the opportunity to connect with nature, grow their own food, and contribute to local biodiversity.

- the city is home to the "vienna textile lab," an innovative startup that uses bacteria to create sustainable and eco-friendly dyes, showcasing vienna's support for cutting-edge sustainable technologies.

- annually, vienna hosts the "vienna sustainability week," a series of events and workshops aimed at raising awareness about sustainable living practices and encouraging active participation among residents and visitors alike.

vienna's approach to zero waste, circular economy, and repair initiatives not only enhances its charm and livability but also serves as a model for cities globally. by prioritizing sustainability, vienna demonstrates that preserving our planet and fostering a thriving urban environment can go hand in hand.

sustainability snapshot

accomplishments and objectives:

zero waste principles:

vienna has made significant strides towards becoming a zero waste city. the city has implemented comprehensive recycling programs that encourage residents to separate waste into distinct categories, such as paper, glass, plastics, and bio-waste. the viennese government has also incentivized businesses to reduce waste through tax breaks and support programs.

vienna's commitment to zero waste is further exemplified by its ambitious target to reduce per capita residual waste (non-recyclable) to a maximum of 150 kilograms by 2030, considerably lower than the current european average.

circular economy strategies:

vienna has embraced the concept of a circular economy, focusing on sustainability and resource efficiency. the city launched the "circular vienna" initiative, which aims to transform vienna into a circular economy hotspot by fostering innovation and collaboration among businesses, research institutions, and the public sector.

one of the key projects under this initiative is the "re-use vienna," where the city promotes the use of second-hand goods and supports re-use centers and repair workshops. this effort not only extends the life cycle of products but also creates jobs and educational opportunities.

repair initiatives:

the city has actively supported repair initiatives through campaigns like "repair network vienna," which connects citizens with local repair services, encouraging them to fix rather than discard damaged items. this network includes a wide array of businesses, from electronics to textiles, and helps raise awareness about the value of repair services.

vienna also hosts regular repair events, such as the "repair café," where volunteers help residents fix their belongings for free, sharing skills and promoting a do-it-yourself culture.

future goals:

vienna plans to establish more zero waste neighborhoods, where all waste streams are managed sustainably, and resources are efficiently circulated within the community. the city also intends to expand educational programs to increase citizen participation in zero waste practices.

by 2050, vienna aims to be fully circular, where no waste is produced, and all resources are continuously reused or recycled in a closed-loop system, mirroring natural ecosystems.

waste statistics:

- current per capita residual waste generation: approximately 200 kilograms per year (as of the latest available data).

- recycling rate: over 60%, with targets to increase this percentage through improved sorting and collection facilities.

- number of re-use and repair centers: over 50, with plans to expand.

- reduction in waste sent to landfills: vienna has reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills by over 30% in the past decade and aims to continue this trend.

this snapshot demonstrates vienna's dedication to sustainable waste management and its journey towards becoming a zero waste and circular city. through continued efforts in education, infrastructure, and community engagement, vienna is setting an example for cities worldwide in the fight against waste and the promotion of a sustainable urban future.