For companies striving to meet ambitious climate and sustainability goals, selecting the right mix of carbon projects is essential. A one-size-fits-all solution won’t do. Instead, organizations are increasingly adopting a portfolio approach, curating a diverse set of high-quality carbon credits aligned with their net-zero commitments, budget, target geographies, impact priorities, SDG goals, and engagement timelines.
ClimateSeed supports companies in developing these tailored portfolios. By understanding a company’s objectives and constraints, ClimateSeed helps identify the most suitable combination of carbon projects, including one key typology: waste management.
Waste management projects focus on how we handle waste to minimize its impact on the environment and human health. Instead of treating waste as an afterthought in the production chain, these projects turn waste into opportunity by generating renewable energy, reducing pollution, and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
These projects embrace a circular economy approach, reimagining waste as a resource. They are primarily considered carbon avoidance projects because they prevent emissions, such as tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4) that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere and reduce waste.
Project examples include:
For more information on biochar's role in waste management, please read our article.
By preventing methane and other emissions from entering the atmosphere, waste management projects offer immediate, measurable climate benefits. Methane (CH4), for instance, has around 84 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 20-year period or around 28 times the warming potential of CO2 over a 100-year period, making its capture one of the most effective short-term climate interventions.
For an example of a waste management project, please check out our blog on the circular economy.
Waste management projects deliver multi-dimensional impacts and support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: by reducing waste burning and pollution.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: through biogas and waste-to-energy projects.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: via job creation in waste handling and recycling sectors.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: by fostering resilient, sustainable waste systems.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: by improving local sanitation and urban waste solutions.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: by ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: by taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by reducing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Waste-related challenges exist in every region, making these projects a versatile choice for companies or businesses with global operations or specific regional priorities. Whether in fast-growing cities or rural communities, waste management can offer tailored, scalable solutions that align with local needs. This versatility enables organizations to align their climate action with regions where they have stakeholder presence or operational influence, while contributing to local development.
Waste management projects often depend on carbon finance to be viable, offering high additionality in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). They are also backed by transparent methodologies and rigorous monitoring, making them a credible and effective choice for companies seeking environmental integrity in their carbon strategy.
Because they address a visible, relatable issue, these projects often carry strong storytelling value and are easily understood. They resonate with stakeholders, enhance ESG reporting, provide concrete data, and demonstrate real-world impact that employees, customers, and investors can see and understand.
Waste management projects offer a compelling combination of climate action, health and environmental co-benefits, and support for the circular economy. These projects not only tackle waste, but also find long-lasting solutions by embracing a circular economy approach. When integrated thoughtfully within a diversified carbon portfolio, they help companies meet climate targets while contributing to broader global development goals.
ClimateSeed works with organizations to identify and invest in high-impact waste management projects as part of a broader, customized portfolio. These projects are more than just carbon credits; they’re strategic tools for sustainable transformation.