ELIMINATE WASTE  |  MANAGE RESOURCES
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Improving Source Segregation of Waste in Fuvahmulah CityStrengthening segregation, data driven planning, and community participation in Fuvahmulah. The project trains WAMCO, the council, and the public, develops island level segregation standards, improves collection and IWMC operations, and pilots waste to wealth initiatives to reduce disposal and increase reuse.EPR MaldivesA national Extended Producer Responsibility framework for the Maldives, developed with adelphi. The project designs a practical EPR system, defines roles and financing mechanisms, and lays out a phased action plan for shared responsibility between producers, government, and waste operators.FenveshiRebuilding trust in Malé's tap water by installing public fountains and educating residents about the municipal supply, so bottled water becomes the exception rather than the habit.All projects →Policy work, education, and community programs
ABOUT US

A small team with a simple rule: waste is a design flaw.

Zero Waste Maldives started in 2018 and registered as an NGO in 2019. We work on circular economy and waste reduction across the Maldives, helping individuals, businesses, communities, and government send nothing to the ocean, landfills, or incinerators.

Most NGOs here struggle with funding. We chose a different path: a social enterprise that sells zero waste alternatives, so our work funds itself. The products we championed, like menstrual cups and cloth diapers, are now sold by other stores across the country.

OUR MISSION

Promote a zero waste, low impact lifestyle, and enable individuals, businesses, communities, and government to send nothing to the ocean, landfills, or incinerators.

OUR APPROACH
01

Evidence first: audits and data before interventions.

02

Systems that fit: each island, not one template for 200.

03

Self-funded: through social enterprise, so the work outlasts any single grant.

The team

Fifteen to twenty contributors, specialists in economics, communications, and engineering, working on projects on a volunteer basis.

Name Surname

Founder

Name Surname

Co-founder

Name Surname

Projects Lead

Name Surname

Communications

Name Surname

Policy & Research

Name Surname

Engineering

Name Surname

Economics

Name Surname

Volunteer Coordinator
WHO WE WORK WITH

Local and global affiliations

Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)

Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)

A global network focused on ending waste incineration and advancing zero waste systems. GAIA works with communities, governments, and civil society to promote waste reduction, segregation, composting, and recycling, providing research, technical support, and policy advocacy to shift waste management away from burning and toward circular economy solutions.

Civil Society Parliamentary Network (CSPN)

Civil Society Parliamentary Network (CSPN)

An initiative by Westminster Foundation for Democracy Maldives to strengthen engagement between civil society and parliament. CSPN provides a structured platform for dialogue, enabling organisations to present policy ideas, contribute to lawmaking, and connect with parliamentary committees and legislators.

Break Free From Plastic (BFFP)

Break Free From Plastic (BFFP)

A global movement working to stop plastic pollution at its source. BFFP brings together organisations and individuals to push for reductions in single use plastics and stronger corporate accountability, supporting campaigns, policy advocacy, brand audits, and reuse systems.

Coalition for Open Governance (COG)

Coalition for Open Governance (COG)

A network of human rights advocates and organisations working to strengthen democracy and transparency in the Maldives. COG creates space for civil society to influence policy and decision making. Zero Waste Maldives is a founding member.