From waste management to methane mitigation: Climate Bonds launches updated Criteria

Climate Bonds is pleased to launch the updated Waste Management Criteria under the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme during London Climate Action Week 2026. 

Following extensive stakeholder engagement and a successful public consultation process, the updated Criteria provide an expanded, science-based framework to help direct investment towards waste management projects and methane-abatement solutions that deliver measurable climate benefits. 

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for methane action globally. At COP30 in Belém, governments, investors and climate leaders renewed their focus on methane mitigation, including through the launch of the No Organic Waste (NOW) Plan to Accelerate Solutions, a global initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions from organic waste by 30% by 2030. As momentum continues to build around methane reduction as one of the fastest and most cost-effective opportunities to slow near-term warming, the updated Waste Management Criteria aim to help translate global ambition into investable projects and credible climate action across the waste sector. 
 

From waste management to methane mitigation 

The waste sector accounts for around 20% of anthropogenic methane emissions globally, making it the third-largest source of methane emissions after livestock and oil and gas. 

Methane is responsible for approximately 30% of global warming to date, making methane reduction one of the most effective opportunities available to slow climate change in the near term. 

Improving waste management systems presents a significant opportunity to reduce emissions while delivering broader environmental and social benefits. By supporting activities such as waste diversion, composting, anaerobic digestion, landfill gas capture and dumpsite rehabilitation, investment in the sector can help reduce methane emissions while advancing circular economy objectives and improving environmental outcomes. 
 

What's new in the updated Criteria?

Originally launched in 2019, the Waste Management Criteria have undergone a substantial revision to reflect the latest technologies, operational practices and scientific understanding of methane mitigation. 

The updated Criteria introduce a stronger focus on methane abatement while expanding the range of activities and measures eligible for Certification. 

New mitigation measures include: 

• Landfill gas capture 
• Landfill retrofitting and upgrade measures 
• Carbon capture and storage 
• Carbon capture and utilisation 
• Heat recovery systems 
• Digital tools and sensors to monitor and measure methane emissions 

 
Expanded eligible activities include: 

• Waste collection, transport and storage 
• Waste sorting, separation and Materials Recovery Facilities 
• Facilities processing recyclable waste fractions into secondary raw materials 
• Facilities collecting, sorting, cleaning, refurbishing, reconditioning and repairing products 
• Composting 
• Anaerobic digestion 
• Production of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) products 
• Dumpsite closure and rehabilitation projects 
• Production of biochar from organic waste 

 
The revised framework adopts a performance-based approach designed to support effective methane mitigation while recognising the diverse operating conditions, infrastructure realities and regional contexts of waste management systems around the world. 

The updated Criteria also strengthen environmental and social integrity through the incorporation of the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle and enhanced social safeguards. In addition, waste incineration has been removed as a certifiable activity, reflecting Climate Bonds' commitment to maintaining robust climate integrity standards and supporting credible waste-sector transition pathways. 
 

Mobilising capital towards waste-sector climate solutions

Waste remains one of the most significant and underfinanced opportunities for emissions reductions within the global climate transition. 

By providing a clear, science-based framework for identifying eligible projects and activities, the updated Waste Management Criteria aim to help investors, issuers and project developers channel capital towards solutions capable of delivering measurable climate benefits. 

As countries, cities and companies seek pathways to reduce emissions while improving waste management systems, the updated Criteria provide a practical tool to support investment in projects that can accelerate methane mitigation, strengthen circular economy outcomes and contribute to a low-carbon future. 

Explore the updated Waste Management Criteria, supporting resources and Certification guidance to learn how the framework can support your climate investment objectives. 
 
 
'Till the next time,  

Climate Bonds