Latin America and the Caribbean unite to cut methane emissions from organic waste and close dumpsites

At the XXIV Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Lima, Peru, ministers from across the region endorsed a Regional Cooperation Programme for Reducing Methane Emissions from Organic Waste and Closing Dumpsites — marking a milestone in regional climate collaboration and circular economy action.

Developed with the support of the UNEP Latin America and Caribbean Office and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat (CCAC), the Programme responds to the call made by Ministers at the 2024 Special Session in Rio de Janeiro to step up regional cooperation on methane from waste.

“Reducing methane emissions from waste is one of the most urgent — and one of the most solvable — challenges in climate action,” said Martina Otto, Head of Secretariat of the CCAC. “This Programme provides the regional foundation to link policy, investment, and innovation — creating markets for circular solutions and accelerating methane reduction from waste.”

A political milestone with measurable goals

Thirty-three countries endorsed a shared vision to reduce methane from waste and accelerate the closure of open dumpsites. The Programme sets clear regional targets:

• By 2030: 30% reduction in methane emissions from the waste sector, aligned with the Global Methane Pledge.
• By 2035: Divert 30% of organic waste from final disposal sites through separate collection and treatment.
• By 2040: End organic waste disposal in landfills and close dumpsites across the region.

With 45% of municipal waste still inadequately managed and more than 10,000 open dumpsites, the Programme aims to move from fragmented efforts to coordinated regional action.

Integrated and inclusive waste solutions

Methane from waste accounts for roughly 20% of global anthropogenic emissions — yet the majority of mitigation measures are low cost and high impact. 

The Programme promotes integrated solutions focused on avoidance, diversion, valorization, and the development of adequate infrastructure (ADVI) for organic waste management. It also supports improvements in disposal site operations and the progressive closure of dumpsites. To achieve this, the Programme aims to:

• Strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement;

• Enhance institutional and operational capacities; 

• Expand financing for waste methane mitigation.

It also highlights opportunities to improve air quality, support informal waste workers, generate local jobs, and boost food security by recycling nutrients back into soils.

Regional cooperation and next steps

Implementation will be guided by a Steering Committee under the Forum of Ministers, with technical coordination from CCAC and UNEP. Biennial work plans and a regional monitoring system will track progress, while partnerships with development banks and donors will help close the financing gap — currently less than 2% of global methane abatement funds reach the region.

This regional collaboration sends a clear signal ahead of COP30: Latin America and the Caribbean are determined to lead global action on waste methane — delivering cleaner air, healthier communities, and a resilient circular future.