Zero Waste Canada Supports the Global Update to the Zero Waste Hierarchy (Version 8.1)
At Zero Waste Canada, we believe that advancing a circular future requires a collective effort, responsibility, innovation, and shared values.
As the Canadian National Affiliate of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), we are proud to support the release of Version 8.1 of the Zero Waste Hierarchy of Highest and Best Use. This globally recognized framework offers clear, actionable guidance for policymakers, organizations, and communities working to eliminate waste at its source.
“The Zero Waste Hierarchy provides a critical understanding of policies to ensure global alignment with the term ‘Zero Waste’.”
— Jamie Kaminski, Committee Chair of the ZWIA Hierarchy Working Group and Board Member of Zero Waste Canada
As Canada’s national voice for the Zero Waste movement, Zero Waste Canada plays an essential role in translating these international standards into local action. Version 8.1 of the Hierarchy reflects current environmental and social imperatives, helping us ensure that Canadian programs and policies are grounded in integrity, equity, and impact.
What’s New in Version 8.1?
Building on an international collaboration, Version 8.1 deepens the Hierarchy’s application and reinforces its role as a practical decision-making tool. Key updates include:
- Enhanced language under the Do Not Export Harm principle, strengthening protections to ensure hazardous materials are not sent to facilities or countries that lack proper infrastructure.
- Introduction of a new principle « Do No Harm », guiding organizations to reduce negative social and environmental impacts across the full lifecycle of materials.
- Updated definitions for circular economy, closed-loop systems, composting, and recycling, offering clearer and more consistent language for global application.
As part of the ZWIA global network, Zero Waste Canada remains committed to advancing Zero Waste principles that prioritize public health, climate action, and circularity. We invite organizations across Canada to explore how these updates can guide and strengthen their sustainability goals.