solid waste management
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We Need to Advance Solid Waste Technology
To implement a true circular economy, we need to systematically and automatically reuse most of the material placed in our trash bags.
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Mining Garbage and the Circular Economy
The construction of waste management and material mining facilities is essential for the development of a circular economy, and the evolution toward a circular economy is a prerequisite for sustainable cities.
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Recycling in the U.S. Is Broken. How Do We Fix It?
Most of what you put into the recycling bin doesn’t actually get recycled. Here’s why — and how we can do better.
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Zero Waste in San Francisco and New York: A Tale of Two Cities
Each city is different, and New York’s pace, diversity, and size make comparisons to San Francisco difficult. Still, large-scale behavior changes can be achieved with leadership, strategy and creativity.

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More


