Become a Zero-Waste Ambassador in Berlin!

The“Committed to Zero Waste”project is looking for people who want to take action against waste in Berlin. Supported by BUND Berlin and project partners NBS GmbH, LIFE e.V., and Trial and Error e.V., various initiatives are taking place in all twelve districts. TheZero Waste Ambassadors visit neighborhoods and meet with residents there—for example, at neighborhood cafés, the local library, the supermarket, local daycare centers and schools, on playgrounds, or at public street festivals.Zero-Waste Ambassadorsare alsoactiveat central locations in Berlin—such as the Environmental Festival at the Brandenburg Gate—toaddressthe capital’s waste problem by engaging in conversation with Berliners. Beforehand, they participate in a free waste management training session offered by BUND Berlin. The training covers types of waste, disposal methods, practical tips, legal frameworks, and the environmental impact of waste. Interested?

Send us a brief statement of interest to zerowaste@bund-berlin.de. The next training session begins on November 7, 2026. Find all the details at www.bund-berlin.de/abfall-schulung

TheZero-Waste Ambassadors assist with initiatives organized by the project partners. They staff information booths on waste separation and waste prevention—for example, at a supermarket, offering tips on how to avoid generating waste while shopping. Theambassadors also help with hands-on workshops (e.g., cooking events to combat food waste or school festivals featuring upcycling activities). It’s also possible to plan and carry out your own event without a project partner. The training prepares aspiring zero-waste ambassadorsand provides knowledge and practical insights (input from Berlin’s waste management department, a field trip to a sorting facility for lightweight packaging, and testimonials from current volunteers). The project partners also help the volunteers get started with their practical work.

In general, anyone who wants to help combat litter in Berlin is welcome to attend the training. The following are considered advantages:

• Basic knowledge of waste prevention, waste separation, and sustainable consumption
• Familiarity with Berlin’s neighborhoods
• Language skills (especially Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, Arabic, and Turkish)
• Experience in outreach work

Are you new to Berlin and haven’t dealt with waste issues yet? No problem! What matters most to us is that you’re willing to volunteer to combat litter in Berlin and that you’re curious to learn.

The training will be conducted in German. Therefore, (basic to intermediate) German language skills would be helpful. During the volunteer assignments, there are various opportunities to get involved even without German language skills.

Volunteers do not need to bring any materials themselves. Everything is provided on site. Occasionally, volunteers help transport materials to events. 

Some activities take place outdoors. Sometimes you have to stand for a while, though the project partners usually bring their own folding chairs. The Zoom app is used for online training sessions. Many sessions are in-person.