Initiatives & Projects

We are many.
We are Zero Waste Frankfurt.

Zero Waste Initiatives & Projects in and around Frankfurt

Interesting facts from Team Frankfurt Climate Protection.

Team Frankfurt Climate Protection

Let’s rethink and switch together! Frankfurt am Main is already playing a pioneering role in Germany when it comes to climate protection. But Frankfurt can do even more. And Frankfurt is all of us. You and me. And your neighbor next door. We are Team Frankfurt for climate protection. And in a team, every individual’s contribution counts.

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Reuse

Clothing swap parties

Greenpeace Frankfurt

Always enjoyable – clothing swap & environmental information
This is how it usually works: bring along five items of clothing in good condition (no underwear, please) and swap them for new favorites. There are often snacks and short presentations on interesting environmental topics.

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Learning workshop on consumption and recycling

Foundation for Environmental Learning in Frankfurt

Dealing with natural resources and issues of waste and recycling: The learning workshops offered by Umweltlernen in Frankfurt in cooperation with the FES on the topics of consumption and recycling complement classroom teaching and enable students to try things out, conduct research, and work independently at learning stations.

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Plastic-free products

Hesse Consumer Advice Cente

Plastic is everywhere—and often unnecessary. We show you how you can reduce plastic when shopping, at home, and on the go. With simple tips on food, cosmetics, and clothing, you can protect the environment and your health. Less plastic—more future!

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Promotion of reuse projects and waste collection campaigns in Riedberg

Klimaschutz-Initiative Riedberg e.V.

The Riedberg Climate Protection Initiative is a non-profit association committed to making Riedberg climate neutral by 2030. Through numerous campaigns and projects, committed citizens want to make the district a model for climate protection in Frankfurt. We have been a registered association since January 2021.

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Free flea markets

Goethe’s Green Initiative

Goethe’s Green Initiative has been working since 2018 to promote a social and ecological transformation at Goethe University. Among other things, we have helped to set up campus gardens, sustainability weeks, and a sustainability office. We are currently coordinating projects and initiatives related to sustainability at the university.

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Exploring the environment – shaping the future

Umweltexploratorium e.V.

For over 20 years, Umwelt-Exploratorium e.V. has been offering events and hands-on formats that creatively combine environmental and cultural education. Whether workshops, campaigns, or research projects, participants of all ages discover natural phenomena, reflect on environmental issues, and actively shape a sustainable future.

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Develop your own zero-waste ideas and find volunteer opportunities

Zero Waste Lab Frankfurt

The Zero Waste Lab Frankfurt is a participatory space for ideas related to waste prevention, reuse, and recycling. Whether it’s an App, a clothing swap, or a reusable system, this is where projects for a more waste-free Frankfurt are born. Join in, submit your idea, and become part of the Zero Waste Community!

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Actions by BUND Youth ( BUNDjugend )

BUND Youth ( BUNDjugend )

Whether city tours, action days, repair cafés, or nature diaries, BUNDjugend Hessen offers many opportunities to get involved in climate, environmental, and sustainability issues. Here, knowledge is not only imparted, but also put into practice, tried out, and shaped—in a practical, creative, and committed way.

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Circular City of Economic Development

City of Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of two model municipalities in the Difu study “Kreislaufstadt” (Circular City). The aim is to work with the administration and business community to develop a strategy for circular economy. The focus is on resource conservation, reuse, and the ecological transformation of the industrial location—with support from economic development agencies.

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Good atmosphere in Gallus

The future is growing in Gallus: with projects such as the sustainability lab, gardening initiatives, educational formats, and the nutrition mosaic, “Gutes Klima Gallus” is bringing climate and environmental protection to the district. Whether with daycare children, at solar workshops, or through sustainability rallies, change is being experienced together here.

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Networking between different actors

Reuse network in Hesse

Reuse instead of throwing away! The Re-Use Network Hessen strengthens the development of a social and sustainable circular economy. Municipalities and non-profit organizations are joining forces to make reuse more visible, effective, and self-evident through exchange, cooperation, and targeted networking throughout Hessen.

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Too Good to Go – Cities against food waste

City of Frankfurt

As part of the Cities Against Food Waste network, Frankfurt is committed to reducing waste and increasing appreciation for food. The aim is to strengthen food redistribution, promote education, and work together toward zero waste—for a sustainable city and conscious use of resources.

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More organic waste in the bin

FES Frankfurt

The organic waste campaign explains: In Frankfurt, around 62,000 tons of organic waste end up in residual waste every year! Only properly separated organic waste can be turned into valuable compost and biogas. That’s why it’s important not to put plastic in the organic waste bin—not even compostable bioplastic bags, as these also interfere with recycling.

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Free repair assistance in a café atmosphere

Repair Café Frankfurt in Sachsenhausen

In the midst of our throwaway society, the Repair Café Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen is sending a clear message: here, things are repaired instead of thrown away. In a cozy atmosphere, volunteers help make broken everyday items usable again—free of charge. It’s a practical place for living sustainability and a genuine zero-waste culture.

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Regular repair service

Repair Café Bockenheim

At RepairCafé Bockenheim, sustainability comes to life every last Sunday of the month: At Café KoZ on the Bockenheim campus, volunteers with expertise and tools repair broken household appliances, clothing, bicycles, and more. Free of charge, collaborative, and resource-efficient—in keeping with the zero-waste philosophy.

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Various repair cafés

Frankfurt Association

Broken electrical appliances, damaged clothing—what ends up in the trash elsewhere gets a second life at RepairCafé Frankfurt. Volunteer tinkerers repair items free of charge, share their knowledge, and promote community-based sustainability. A practical zero-waste project with the aroma of coffee and screwdrivers.

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Repair guide

FES Frankfurt

In times of growing waste mountains, the Frankfurt Repair Guide shows a viable way out: it connects repair cafés, workshops, and self-help services—and makes them easy to find via a practical search function. This makes repairing a real alternative: resource-saving, climate-friendly, and completely local.

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Second-hand market

Newfoundland in Griesheim

If you love second-hand items and want to do good at the same time, the Neufundland second-hand store is the place for you. Here you will find clothing, furniture, and technology with a history—resource-friendly, socially responsible, and surprisingly diverse. Every purchase and every donation supports a charitable project for a functioning circular economy.

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Second-hand markets run by the Diakonie social welfare organization

Social welfare organization for Frankfurt and Offenbach

Secondhand is sustainability in action—and at the Samt & amp department store, it’s accessible to everyone. Here, the Diakonie Frankfurt and Offenbach charity sells used clothing, furniture, and household goods at fair prices. Frankfurtpass holders benefit especially. This is how resource conservation becomes socially effective.

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Oxfam second-hand shop

Oxfam

At Oxfam shops, unwanted items are turned into a contribution to a fairer world. Volunteers sell donated clothing, books, and household goods—conserving resources and supporting a good cause. The proceeds support Oxfam’s development work. There are five shops in Frankfurt, which are easy to find on the Oxfam website.

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Overview of second-hand shops

Who knows the best?

Frankfurt shows how diverse zero waste can be: over 30 secondhand shops—from bike shops to children’s clothing to designer vintage—turn old things into new. Every purchase extends product life cycles, saves resources, and makes it clear that sustainability starts right on your doorstep.

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Online platform for second-hand electronic goods

reYOUrs

The reYOUrS project in Frankfurt shows how resource conservation works in practice: used electrical appliances are tested, given a seal of approval, and put back into circulation. This extends their life cycle and preserves valuable raw materials—a powerful incentive for sustainable consumption.

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Zeusch for Eusch

Frankfurt City Library

Why buy something you rarely use? With “Zeusch für Eusch,” the Frankfurt City Library is setting an example for sustainability in action. Whether it’s a drill, a guitar, or a waffle iron—borrowing instead of buying saves resources and avoids electronic waste. The project promotes a more conscious approach to consumer goods and makes zero waste tangible for everyone.

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Pocket stations

Want to live better?

“Reuse me!”: Clean bags can be dropped off or picked up at over 30 bag exchange stations in Frankfurt – without having to buy anything. This creates a simple reuse cycle that conserves resources, avoids waste, and brings the zero-waste concept where it belongs: into the everyday life of urban society.

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Tips & Locations

Zero Waste Frankfurt (Pia Fourcadier)

Zero Waste Frankfurt has been inspiring people since 2016 with concrete ideas for a waste-free life. Founder Pia Kraftfutter shows how plastic-free consumption, reuse, and recycling can be implemented in everyday life—with DIY tips, unpackaged stores, and an interactive map with over 70 sustainable locations in Frankfurt.

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creative workshop

Frankfurt Association

Upcycling instead of throwing away: In the creative workshop “Rethink Fashion,” broken clothing is given new life. Jeans and oilcloth are turned into lunch bags, bed sheets into pants—all in line with the zero-waste concept. With professional guidance and machines on site, sewing becomes a sustainable statement against fast fashion.

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Die Teilerei

Free shop in Niederrad

The Teilerei in Frankfurt is more than just a free shop—it is a place where sustainability is lived and breathed. Here, things are shared instead of thrown away, resources are conserved, and encounters are encouraged. In this self-organized sharing community, anyone who needs something that others no longer want can take it—without spending any money, in keeping with the zero-waste philosophy.

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Hub for free shops

Goethe’s Green Office

Hub – the sustainable heart of Goethe University. With free flea markets and soon their own shop, students are creating a place for resource conservation, community, and active sharing. Here, sustainability becomes tangible: without money, but with a big impact – socially, ecologically, and entirely in line with the zero waste philosophy.

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Tips, ideas, and workshops on avoiding plastic

Plastic reduction initiative by Petra Kress

Reducing plastic starts in everyday life – Petra Kreß shows how it can be done. With her initiative Plastik sparen (Save Plastic), she has been inspiring people in Frankfurt and beyond to reduce their plastic consumption since 2018. In workshops, exhibitions, and online, she shares practical alternatives for everyday use – with enthusiasm and without perfectionism.

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Food sharing

Food Sharing Frankfurt am Main e.V.

One in three food items ends up in the trash – foodsharing Frankfurt e.V. is taking a stand against this waste. The association rescues edible food and distributes it to those in need – in an environmentally friendly and socially just manner. Anyone who wants to get involved can complete a short training course to become a food saver. Working together for a more sustainable Frankfurt.

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Shopping better together

Klaa Karott Food Cooperative

Between regional aspirations and plastic-free practice: FoodCoop Klaa Karott shows how solidarity-based shopping works. Members decide together what goes into the product range—regional, fair, low-packaging. Directly from the producers, no markup, no profit—but with a stance. Zero waste meets community.

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Shopping without packaging

The refilling plant

The Auffüllerei in Frankfurt is more than just a zero-waste shop—it’s a place where zero waste is put into practice. Since 2019, the team has been showing how sustainable consumption works: organic products without single-use plastic, regional producers, fair conditions. Workshops and campaigns invite people to rethink waste prevention together.

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Unpackaged store

Ulf unpackaged

The zero-waste shop Ulf un:verpackt! in Frankfurt is putting zero waste into practice. Here you can find organic food, hygiene, and cleaning products without any single-use packaging. Customers bring their own containers and actively reduce waste. The shop promotes conscious consumption and regional value creation, demonstrating that sustainability starts with everyday shopping.

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Unpackaged store

Franco Unpackaged Store

Frankfurt’s Franco Unverpackt in the Westend district combines consistent zero-waste practices with social commitment: organic products from regional sources are available for customers to fill themselves – simple, fair, and plastic-free. With discounts for Frankfurt Pass holders and a social integration approach, the store strengthens both the community and resource conservation – a real statement for sustainable consumption.

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Unpackaged goods store in Höchst

Frankfurt’s newest zero-waste market meets zero waste in the heart of the city: Höchst Unverpackt at the Höchster Markt sells loose muesli, nuts, legumes, and more—all without single-use packaging. Customers bring their own jars or use returnable containers. This avoids waste, supports local producers, and makes sustainability a tangible experience.

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Tips and workshops

diaper-free

Since 2015, WindelFrei Frankfurt has been showing how zero waste works for babies: instead of disposable diapers, parents rely on signals and natural elimination (elimination communication). In workshops and online courses, they learn how to avoid waste, use cloth and eco-friendly diapers, and save money—in a resource-conscious and sustainable way.

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Actions & network for European Waste Reduction Week.

EWAV

Every November, European Waste Reduction Week shows just how versatile zero waste can be. In 2025, the focus will be on electrical appliances: repair instead of throwing away, swap instead of buying new. Schools, local authorities, and initiatives are sending a strong signal for conscious consumption and the circular economy with creative campaigns.

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Social upcycling-products

Unique product Frankfurt

In Frankfurt, EiNZIGWARE shows Caritas how creative zero waste can be: in the cariteam workshops, old materials are turned into stylish, one-of-a-kind items, from bags to furniture. The project combines sustainability with social commitment and creates new perspectives through upcycling and participation. A true model of circularity.

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Free drinking water

Refill Frankfurt

Refill Germany is also sending a strong message against plastic waste in Frankfurt: with numerous local partners and around 7,000 stations nationwide, people can refill their drinking bottles with tap water free of charge. The initiative thus promotes zero waste and conscious consumption in a sustainable way – ideal for Frankfurt’s sustainability movement.

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