Zero Waste certification: what it is, requirements and how to obtain it

The Zero Waste certification demonstrates that an organisation recovers most of the waste it generates and diverts it from landfill. In Spain it is granted by AENOR and recognises two levels: "Zero Waste", when at least 90% of waste is recovered, and "Towards Zero Waste", from 60%. It does not certify that the company has eliminated all its waste, but rather its degree of recovery and its commitment to continual improvement.

Environmental management is not limited to greenhouse gas emissions. Waste management is one of its pillars and, done well, it cuts costs, opens new revenue streams and improves regulatory compliance. Below we explain what the Zero Waste certification is, what it is based on, what it requires and how to obtain it.

What does "zero waste" mean?

The concept of "zero waste" is part of the circular economy, a model that seeks to keep materials in use for as long as possible and minimise what ends up in landfill or incineration. It rests on the waste hierarchy, which prioritises, in this order: prevent, reuse, recycle, recover and, as a last resort, dispose.

The zero waste approach focuses above all on the first levels, prevention and reuse, which represents a paradigm shift for companies used to the linear "take, make, dispose" model.

The importance of prevention and recovery

The key is to understand that what is traditionally considered "waste" at the end of one process can become the raw material for another, within the same company or another. This shift not only reduces the amount of waste generated: it also lowers the associated emissions and saves materials and energy. When a recovered material legally stops being waste and returns to the market, this is known as end of waste status.

What is the Zero Waste certification?

The Zero Waste certification is a voluntary seal that demonstrates an organisation manages its waste responsibly and traceably, recovering a high percentage and minimising landfill. In Spain, the reference scheme is the one run by AENOR, although equivalent international initiatives exist, such as Zero Waste Certified (TRUE, managed by GBCI).

Obtaining the certification does not mean having literally reached zero waste, but demonstrating the degree of recovery achieved and a plan of continual improvement. To this end, the company must show that it has implemented effective recovery strategies for its waste.

Levels of AENOR's Zero Waste certification

The AENOR scheme has two levels, depending on the percentage of waste recovered (that is, diverted from landfill):

Requirements to obtain the Zero Waste certification

Any organisation can apply for the certification, regardless of its sector. The requirements vary according to the type of activity, especially whether the company designs products or not.

General requirements

In general, the organisation must document and demonstrate:

• Waste inventory: the types, quantities, origin, storage and destination of each waste stream generated.
• Traceability: tracking of waste from generation to final treatment, with authorised carriers and waste managers.
• Recovery: calculation of the percentages recovered and those sent to landfill for each stream.
• Reduction and prevention plan: an active plan to reduce the waste generated in each process.
• Management system: the process must be integrated into a management system, usually an ISO 14001 environmental management system.

Additional requirements for companies that design products

Organisations that design products must also incorporate ecodesign criteria into their production chain: extending the useful life, using recycled materials and making products easy to disassemble and recycle at the end of their life.

Benefits of the Zero Waste certification

AENOR's Zero Waste certification is valid for three years, with periodic monitoring audits, and brings concrete benefits:

• Improved reputation: it demonstrates a real, verified commitment to the circular economy before clients, investors and authorities.
• Competitive advantage: it strengthens your position in tenders and procurement with environmental criteria, and helps you get ahead of waste regulation.
• New revenue: waste recovery can generate business opportunities from by-products.
• Cost reduction: optimising management reduces spending on treatment and landfill charges.

Regulatory framework in Spain

Although the certification is voluntary, it sits within increasingly demanding waste regulation. Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils reinforces the waste hierarchy, the targets for preparing for reuse and recycling, and extended producer responsibility. Implementing a zero waste system helps to meet and document these obligations. To go deeper, see our guide to how to achieve zero waste in your company, the industrial waste minimisation plan and these profitable waste management strategies.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues the Zero Waste certification in Spain?

The reference scheme in Spain is run by AENOR. There are also equivalent international certifications, such as TRUE (Zero Waste Certified), administered by GBCI.

What recovery percentage does it require?

The "Zero Waste" level requires recovering at least 90% of the waste generated; the "Towards Zero Waste" level is granted from 60%, with a continual improvement plan.

How long does the certification last?

It is valid for three years, during which monitoring audits are carried out to check that the requirements are maintained.

Do you need to have ISO 14001?

The zero waste process must be integrated into a management system. It is common to rely on an ISO 14001 environmental management system, which provides the structure for planning, control and continual improvement.

Measuring and tracing waste is the first step to certification: at Manglai we help you inventory your waste, calculate your recovery rate and build the reduction plan with our waste management solution.