THE PROBLEM

While cities adapt to account for a two-thirds global population increase by 2050, they must continue to adopt smart solutions that reduce the collective impact of their prospering communities. These solutions must entail planning for the prevention, minimization and management of plastic waste generated in urban populations.

THE SOLUTION

A well-developed City Action Plan on plastic waste is critical to ensuring a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive global community. To create such a plan, a city must first take inventory of its local waste stream and collect hard data that can guide strategy. Second, it must commit resources to educate, motivate and mandate, both individuals and industry, to adopt waste prevention strategies that reduce the volume of waste that is collected and managed at the local level. Third, it must employ a scalable waste management program that adheres to the universal waste hierarchy. 

CASE STUDY EXAMPLES

City of Oslo

Leading the way with their very own City Action Plan is the City of Oslo. Together, the City of Oslo and its inhabitants will contribute to sustainable development that takes care of Oslo as a coastal city and protects its values ​​for future generations by encouraging innovative and smart solutions that can be scaled up and further developed.

In order for Oslo to succeed in the effort to reduce the unnecessary use of plastic and disposable single-use articles, they have committed to a holistic approach that takes into account several sectors, while at the same time cooperating with actors within the field of waste management.

The overall goal of the City Action Plan is:

1. To reduce the unnecessary use of plastic and disposable items in Oslo 
2. To prevent marine pollution
3. To clean-up the inner Oslofjord

Key directions for circular governance in Oslo's City Action Plan, include:

1. Cooperation with different stakeholders to create a stronger sense of ownership of the plan's content and consequently a stronger commitment to its objectives.
2. Development of a framework that ensures results are effectively measured and effects of adopted measures are evaluated.
3. Anchoring of the action plan is made at a high level to ensure political commitment and follow-up of measures are carried out.

The City has also hired full-time staff to coordinate and follow-up the action plan and its measures, as well as a resource group responsible for internal efforts and reviewing the plan every second year. 

The City has also put in place a mechanism for funding projects/initiatives which contribute to the goals of the action plan. There is a high focus on cooperation both internally and with external actors, both of the private sector, NGOs and others.

In 2020, the City will audit the action plan and update its contents for a new period starting 2021.

For more information, see the City of Oslo' Action Plan to Reduce Plastic Pollution.

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

In addition to creating an Action Plan, cities can participate in City Waste Rating Programs, develop Public Awareness Initiatives and promote Youth-led Initiatives.