WASTE DESIGN 2.0
Specific objective: SO6 – Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy
Typology: capitalisation project
In order to address the challenges posed by climate change and sustainable development, with a focus on waste management and the promotion of the circular economy, the overall objective of WASTE DESIGN 2.0 was to foster the transition to a circular economy through improved waste management, waste treatment and reuse, with a view to mitigating the environmental impact of waste.
The project contributed to increasing the separate waste collection rate in the programme area and raising public awareness of the importance of the circular economy. The project was innovative as it included pilot investments in new waste collection sites, where a digital system was installed to monitor the fullness levels of waste containers.
The awareness-raising approach was also innovative, as it involved the manufacturing of street furniture made from recycled materials. In addition, joint cross-border measures were implemented to actively engage the population of the cross-border area through workshops.
The project resulted in solutions that could be used and further improved by different organisations, including management bodies at all levels, educational institutions, businesses, NGOs and the local population in the cross-border area.
As the rate of separate waste collection in the programme area was below the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030, joint cross-border measures were needed to raise awareness of the importance of separate waste collection and reuse in order to reduce its environmental impact.
Through a bottom-up approach, the implementation of joint cross-border awareness-raising measures, and the use of digital technologies in waste management processes, the project contributed to the long-term reduction of CO₂ emissions.
The main direct impact of the project was achieved through the implementation of joint cross-border measures aimed at improving waste management, reuse and recycling, thereby promoting the transition to a circular economy.The project resulted in the development and implementation of solutions that were used and further developed by the participating organisations beyond the end of the project.
European Week for Waste Reduction
The European Week for Waste Reduction was one of the key joint activities of the Waste Design 2.0 project. Numerous awareness-raising campaigns, creative workshops, collection initiatives and promotional activities were carried out across the cross-border area, aimed at reducing waste generation and promoting the circular economy. Particular attention was paid to waste reduction and the prevention of food waste, the reuse of materials, and the involvement of children, young people, families and the wider public in sustainable practices. The activities were complemented by communication activities that raised awareness of the importance of sustainable behaviour in everyday life. These included short promotional videos, guidelines for responsible behaviour at destinations, and smaller social media campaigns.
Watch the video about the European Week for Waste Reduction in Postojna.
Awareness-raising and educational workshops
Numerous workshops were organised for children, young people, families and the wider public, aimed at providing practical knowledge about sustainable waste management. Through creative and interactive activities, participants explored possibilities for reusing materials, reducing household waste, properly separating waste, and understanding the principles of the circular economy.
As part of three thematic workshops held in schools, students developed teamwork and creative thinking by solving ecological challenges in an “escape room” classroom. They also learned about making natural cleaning products and the importance of reducing the use of harmful substances and packaging. Through screen printing on used T-shirts, they discovered ways to extend the lifespan of textiles and creatively reuse materials that would otherwise become waste.
Sustainable intergenerational fashion show
Two sustainable intergenerational fashion shows were organised as part of the project, presenting used and upcycled clothing as examples of creative textile reuse. The events brought the importance of reducing textile waste closer to the wider public and demonstrated how creative approaches can extend the lifespan of discarded clothing and give it new value.
Watch the full fashion show in Izola here.
Reuse and exchange events
The project promoted a culture of reuse through events for exchanging children's clothing, toys and equipment, as well as creative workshops demonstrating ways to extend the lifespan of products. These activities contributed to reducing waste at source, while strengthening cooperation within local communities and encouraging more responsible consumption.
Reducing food waste
An important part of the activities focused on raising awareness about reducing food waste. As part of the project, recipes for using leftover food were collected, a bilingual booklet (available only in Slovenian and Italian) of tips and recipes was prepared, and workshops on preparing meals from leftovers were organised. The activities encouraged responsible food consumption and demonstrated practical ways of reducing the amount of organic waste generated by households.
Innovative solutions for separate waste collection
The project contributed to the introduction of modern solutions for more efficient municipal waste collection through the establishment of new semi-underground and underground waste collection points. Their opening events included presentations of the systems, workshops on proper waste separation, and activities for children and the wider public. These new solutions contribute to more efficient waste collection, improved appearance of public spaces and optimisation of waste collection.
Research into the reuse of construction waste
Research activities were carried out as part of the project to explore innovative possibilities for reusing construction waste (available only in Slovenian and Italian). The research also examined the use of secondary materials in the design of furniture and urban equipment, while promoting cooperation between researchers, students, companies and local initiatives. These activities contributed to the development of new approaches to circular design and the more efficient use of resources.
Responsible management of invasive plant species
The project also addressed opportunities for the reuse of invasive plant species. During specialised workshops, participants learned about the characteristics of invasive plants, appropriate methods for their removal, and possibilities for their further use. The theoretical part was complemented by practical demonstrations in the field, contributing to greater awareness of the importance of protecting the natural environment and sustainably managing natural resources.
