Plastic Smart Cities (PSC) is one of the three key pillars under the No Plastic in Nature Initiative in WWF. PSC is implemented via a two-pronged approach; a global knowledge sharing platform where stakeholders can share and learn about solutions to solve our plastic crisis, and a pilot-based programme where we work with city-level local authorities to implement solutions in pilot areas within cities.

The Plastic Smart Cities initiative supports WWF’s No Plastic In Nature agenda, while also directly aligning with seven of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). The SDG’s are a collection of global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, that serve as the blueprint to achieve a more sustainable future for all, working to address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.

Plastic Smart Cities adopt plastic solutions that advance SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 14 – Life Below Water; SDG 15 – Life on Land; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. All Best Practices featured on the Plastic Smart Cities platform align with at least one of the global goals.

Plastic Smart Cities is an initiative started by WWF – World Wide Fund For Nature. Established in 1961, WWF is an independent conservation organization, with over 30 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. Its “No Plastic in Nature” initiative aims to fix a broken system using a holistic approach. WWF acknowledges that there is no single solution to plastic pollution, but rather a need for a comprehensive strategy that engages all actors. By engaging all actors – government, businesses, and the public – we can examine every aspect of the life-cycle of any given plastic material, and identify key elements that are ripe for intervention. 

However, the most critical actors for Plastic Smart Cities are really the Cities (which can also be Districts, Municipalities and other categories of local authorities) and its civil society groups, NGOs, businesses and communities. PSC is supported by corporations, intergovernmental agencies, research institutions with funding and technical knowledge. You may view our growing list of Cities and partners on the Partners page.

You can submit recommendations through our CONTACT form. We will review your request and get back in touch with you for further information.
Disclaimer: WWF Plastic Smart Cities will not endorse for commercial purposes and or organizations which do not align with our No Plastic in Nature objectives and WWF ethical conduct protocols.

A City (or local authority) official can contact us to find out more about its City’s eligibility to join the Plastic Smart Cities network. Among the 50+ cities that are now part of the PSC network across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, many are also important coastal/riverine centres or marine tourism hotspots that experience high risk / incidence of leaking plastic into nature. Cities are asked to show their commitment through a public Declaration of Intention, which includes the goal to reduce plastic leakage in a pilot area by 30% within five years, develop a City Action Plan that aims to improve with public waste management with a focus on reducing plastic wastage and leakage, and work with PSC to pilot on-ground solutions that involve communities, NGOs, or businesses.

Check out the Plastic Smart Guides for more information here.