The project is poised to help facilitate zero waste at COP30 and tackle the city’s methane pollution from organic waste far beyond |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2025
BELÉM – Today, led by the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) alongside Executive Secretary for Productive Inclusion Pamela Massoud and National Secretary of Urban Environment, Water Resources and Environmental Quality Adalberto Maluf, Belém celebrated its first organic waste segregation and composting facility, which was funded by the Global Methane Hub (GMH). The landmark project is set to reduce methane emissions, create green jobs, and strengthen the local economy. The mechanized unit, which can process up to 180 tons of organic waste per month, will handle organic waste from COP30 and will remain a permanent part of the city’s waste management system after the conclusion of the summit.
“This initiative demonstrates how strategic investment can turn a global challenge into a local opportunity for inclusive and innovative solutions, as this is the first COP to have waste pickers managing and processing organic waste, diverting it from landfills,” said Marcelo Mena, CEO of the Global Methane Hub. “Keeping organic waste out of landfills is an important way to decrease methane emissions globally and our goal is to replicate projects like this to drive real change. By supporting decentralized business models and helping municipalities rethink budgets, we can reduce the high costs of waste transport and scale innovative solutions. The Global Methane Hub is leading by example as we are committed to transforming how the waste sector is financed, protecting people’s health, supporting local economies, and helping build a more sustainable future for everyone.”
Funded by the Global Methane Hub and led by Instituto Pólis and IAWP, with support from the Municipality of Belém, Brazil’s Ministry of Environment, and SEBRAE, the project directly addresses the city’s significant methane pollution from organic waste. According to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimation System (SEEG, 2022), organic waste accounts for nearly all of Belém’s methane output. The facility aims to strengthen organic waste recycling and establish composting as a long-term solution for Belém, while creating new jobs through the integration of waste pickers.
“The inauguration of this composting yard is a very important milestone for us waste pickers, as this is the first COP that recognizes the importance of waste pickers—from the initial design of the recycling system to its continuity and future expansion,” said Severino Lima, President of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers and Secretary of International Articulation at UNICATADORES. “This generates income to feed our families, educate and empower us. Thanks to the Global Methane Hub and the Avina Foundation, at the International Association of Waste Pickers, we are advancing even further in the Fair Tonne methodology to quantify and value projects of this kind, in order to enhance our impact and reduce methane emissions.”
Beyond COP30, the facility will continue to serve waste picker cooperatives, family farmers, and local circular economy initiatives such as Composta Belém, Compostagem na Real, and Usinas da Paz. The resulting compost will be reused in local agriculture, closing the organic waste loop and strengthening food systems.
“Composting carried out with waste pickers represents a strategic opportunity to expand the recycling of organic waste in Brazil, especially considering that about 90% of dry waste recycling is already conducted by the work of waste pickers,” said Victor H. Argentino, Project Coordinator at Instituto Pólis. “By integrating them into this process, it is possible to promote a just transition in waste management, with significant socio-environmental benefits.”
“Organic waste segregation and composting go beyond climate action. They are a practical way to build a circular economy that creates jobs, cuts methane emissions, and strengthens communities,” said Henrique Bezerra, Latin America regional lead at the Global Methane Hub. “This project shows that tackling methane isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also a powerful way to create jobs, make cities more livable, and build resilience. By investing in lasting infrastructure and training for waste pickers, Belém is building a fairer and more sustainable local economy.”
Roughly one-fifth of global methane emissions linked to human activity come from organic waste. Belém’s new facility represents one of COP30’s defining climate legacies, illustrating how strategic funding and collaboration across governments, industries, and communities can successfully reduce methane pollution and turn waste into jobs, opportunity, and sustainable economic growth.
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About the Global Methane Hub
The Global Methane Hub organizes and unites governments, industry leaders, scientists, and nonprofit organizations across the globe to minimize methane pollution through technology and common-sense public policies and regulations. We have raised over $500 million in pooled funds from more than 20 of the largest climate philanthropies to accelerate methane mitigation across the globe.
CONTACT: [email protected]