The concept of building a zero-waste city has been widely concerned and recognized in the world. In March 2019, the fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, in its Resolution 4/7, invited Member States to support innovative waste management initiatives, such as national and local “zero waste” initiatives in some countries to minimize waste and develop adequate infrastructure and other facilities for waste management. On December 14th, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution at its 77th session to proclaim March 30th as International Day of Zero Waste, and to encourage Member States to implement zero-waste initiatives at all levels, so as to promote environmentally sound management of waste and sustainable development.
In June 2021, Back-to-back with the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology, BCRC China organized the First Zero-waste City High Level Forum. At the forum, BCRC China drafted the Declaration on Promoting Zero-waste City Construction. The declaration requires the Executive Director of the BCRC China to consult with relevant city governments to build a zero-waste city network. On June 15, during the 2022 BRS COPs, BCRC China held a side event "Establishing Zero-waste City: From Concept to Practice", and officially launched International Zero-waste City Network.
Since its establishment in 2022, the International Zero-waste City Network has invited more than 87 cities from different countries for exchanges on zero waste policies, experience models, and treatment and disposal technologies, through international conferences, seminars, trainings, and workshops.