International Day of Zero Waste 2026: Zero Waste Starts on Your Plate
Why in the news
The world marked the International Day of Zero Waste on 30 March 2026. This year’s theme, ‘Zero Waste Starts on Your Plate’, turned attention to food waste and the way people consume.
Key facts
- Date: 30 March every year.
- Resolution: UN General Assembly resolution 77/161, adopted on 14 December 2022 at its 77th session.
- First observed: 2023.
- Facilitators: UNEP and UN-Habitat.
- 2026 theme: Zero Waste Starts on Your Plate.
Day at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resolution | A/RES/77/161 |
| Co-sponsors | Türkiye with 105 other countries |
| Linked goals | SDG 11 and SDG 12 |
| Edition in 2026 | Food waste and circular food systems |
About the observance
The resolution invites governments, UN bodies, civil society, the private sector, academia, women and youth to run awareness activities on zero-waste initiatives and their link to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Exam angle
- Date, first year (2023) and the two facilitating bodies are the usual questions.
- SDG 11 (sustainable cities) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption) are the linked goals.
- Note the 2026 theme for the Important Days list.