Janek Vähk
@janekvahk.bsky.social
Father of two, activist, environmentalist.
UK Environment Agency says only hazardous waste incinerators can potentially destroy PFAS - needing >1,100°C for full mineralisation.
Most municipal incinerators run at 850–1,000°C, meaning they’re not suitable for PFAS waste.
Relying on them risks spreading, not solving, the problem. 🔥♨️
Most municipal incinerators run at 850–1,000°C, meaning they’re not suitable for PFAS waste.
Relying on them risks spreading, not solving, the problem. 🔥♨️
December 5, 2025 at 8:54 AM
UK Environment Agency says only hazardous waste incinerators can potentially destroy PFAS - needing >1,100°C for full mineralisation.
Most municipal incinerators run at 850–1,000°C, meaning they’re not suitable for PFAS waste.
Relying on them risks spreading, not solving, the problem. 🔥♨️
Most municipal incinerators run at 850–1,000°C, meaning they’re not suitable for PFAS waste.
Relying on them risks spreading, not solving, the problem. 🔥♨️
Incinerator bottom ash isn’t “circular” - it’s toxic.
⚠️ Contains heavy metals, dioxins, PFAS
💧 Leaches into soil & groundwater
🌬️ Can become airborne
⏳ Pollution lasts decades
Using IBA in construction spreads contamination, not circularity.
@ec.europa.eu
⚠️ Contains heavy metals, dioxins, PFAS
💧 Leaches into soil & groundwater
🌬️ Can become airborne
⏳ Pollution lasts decades
Using IBA in construction spreads contamination, not circularity.
@ec.europa.eu
November 28, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Incinerator bottom ash isn’t “circular” - it’s toxic.
⚠️ Contains heavy metals, dioxins, PFAS
💧 Leaches into soil & groundwater
🌬️ Can become airborne
⏳ Pollution lasts decades
Using IBA in construction spreads contamination, not circularity.
@ec.europa.eu
⚠️ Contains heavy metals, dioxins, PFAS
💧 Leaches into soil & groundwater
🌬️ Can become airborne
⏳ Pollution lasts decades
Using IBA in construction spreads contamination, not circularity.
@ec.europa.eu
Incineration destroys the critical raw materials Europe needs.
🔋 70–90% of lithium
🔧 30–60% of cobalt & nickel
🌍 Up to 80% of rare earths
…all volatilise or end up in toxic residues.
🔥 Bottom line: burning waste = burning strategic resources.
🔋 70–90% of lithium
🔧 30–60% of cobalt & nickel
🌍 Up to 80% of rare earths
…all volatilise or end up in toxic residues.
🔥 Bottom line: burning waste = burning strategic resources.
November 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Incineration destroys the critical raw materials Europe needs.
🔋 70–90% of lithium
🔧 30–60% of cobalt & nickel
🌍 Up to 80% of rare earths
…all volatilise or end up in toxic residues.
🔥 Bottom line: burning waste = burning strategic resources.
🔋 70–90% of lithium
🔧 30–60% of cobalt & nickel
🌍 Up to 80% of rare earths
…all volatilise or end up in toxic residues.
🔥 Bottom line: burning waste = burning strategic resources.
MP Dr Andrew Murrison delivered a strong speech calling for an end to new incinerators in England -
and he WON the vote to introduce the Bill.
www.facebook.com/reel/1296103...
#UKParliament#StopIncineration
#ZeroWaste
and he WON the vote to introduce the Bill.
www.facebook.com/reel/1296103...
#UKParliament#StopIncineration
#ZeroWaste
November 26, 2025 at 9:22 AM
MP Dr Andrew Murrison delivered a strong speech calling for an end to new incinerators in England -
and he WON the vote to introduce the Bill.
www.facebook.com/reel/1296103...
#UKParliament#StopIncineration
#ZeroWaste
and he WON the vote to introduce the Bill.
www.facebook.com/reel/1296103...
#UKParliament#StopIncineration
#ZeroWaste
🔥 Sofia shows us why incineration is a dead end for the Western Balkans.
Real solutions lie in prevention, recycling, and community-based circular systems - not burning our future. ♻️
Let’s choose zero waste, not zero hope.
bankwatch.org/blog/sofia-s...
Real solutions lie in prevention, recycling, and community-based circular systems - not burning our future. ♻️
Let’s choose zero waste, not zero hope.
bankwatch.org/blog/sofia-s...
Sofia’s burned lesson: Why the Western Balkans must ditch waste incineration - Bankwatch
While Western Balkan governments scramble to solve their energy and waste crises by turning to incineration, a clear lesson is emerging from the EU: burning waste is a dead end.
bankwatch.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
🔥 Sofia shows us why incineration is a dead end for the Western Balkans.
Real solutions lie in prevention, recycling, and community-based circular systems - not burning our future. ♻️
Let’s choose zero waste, not zero hope.
bankwatch.org/blog/sofia-s...
Real solutions lie in prevention, recycling, and community-based circular systems - not burning our future. ♻️
Let’s choose zero waste, not zero hope.
bankwatch.org/blog/sofia-s...
Biowaste is the EU’s missed climate win - and most CEE countries still rely on mixed waste collections.
Separate biowaste collection now → lower methane, higher recycling, real climate impact.
📘 From cost to value report out now.
Separate biowaste collection now → lower methane, higher recycling, real climate impact.
📘 From cost to value report out now.
November 25, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Biowaste is the EU’s missed climate win - and most CEE countries still rely on mixed waste collections.
Separate biowaste collection now → lower methane, higher recycling, real climate impact.
📘 From cost to value report out now.
Separate biowaste collection now → lower methane, higher recycling, real climate impact.
📘 From cost to value report out now.
Reposted by Janek Vähk
Our colleague @janekvahk.bsky.social returned from #COP30 and his reflections are worth your time.
The good news? Zero waste solutions are gaining serious recognition as vital climate strategies.
The reality check? Incineration still gets 94% of waste sector financing.
Read it all on the link 👇
The good news? Zero waste solutions are gaining serious recognition as vital climate strategies.
The reality check? Incineration still gets 94% of waste sector financing.
Read it all on the link 👇
Insights from COP30: reflections on zero waste, methane, and the growing momentum for real solutions
ZWE's Zero Pollution Policy Manager, Janek Vahk, shares the highlights and insights of his COP30 participation.
zerowasteeurope.eu
November 24, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Our colleague @janekvahk.bsky.social returned from #COP30 and his reflections are worth your time.
The good news? Zero waste solutions are gaining serious recognition as vital climate strategies.
The reality check? Incineration still gets 94% of waste sector financing.
Read it all on the link 👇
The good news? Zero waste solutions are gaining serious recognition as vital climate strategies.
The reality check? Incineration still gets 94% of waste sector financing.
Read it all on the link 👇
Post-COP30 depression is real. One day you’re in the sun eating açaí… next day it’s 1°C, dark, and your kids are using you as a trampoline. Was it all just a dream? 😅🌧️ #COP30 #BackToReality
November 23, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Post-COP30 depression is real. One day you’re in the sun eating açaí… next day it’s 1°C, dark, and your kids are using you as a trampoline. Was it all just a dream? 😅🌧️ #COP30 #BackToReality
COP30 ➜ COP31 🇹🇷
Türkiye’s zero-waste push has big visibility (thanks to the First Lady), but lately incineration has slipped into the picture… so lots to navigate next year. Onwards. 🔥
Türkiye’s zero-waste push has big visibility (thanks to the First Lady), but lately incineration has slipped into the picture… so lots to navigate next year. Onwards. 🔥
November 21, 2025 at 1:20 PM
COP30 ➜ COP31 🇹🇷
Türkiye’s zero-waste push has big visibility (thanks to the First Lady), but lately incineration has slipped into the picture… so lots to navigate next year. Onwards. 🔥
Türkiye’s zero-waste push has big visibility (thanks to the First Lady), but lately incineration has slipped into the picture… so lots to navigate next year. Onwards. 🔥
Reposted by Janek Vähk
Hello! Excited to see what you’ll bring to COP30!
We’re covering it live every day – join us: www.wedonthavetime.org/events/cop30...
#COP30Live #WeDontHaveTime
We’re covering it live every day – join us: www.wedonthavetime.org/events/cop30...
#COP30Live #WeDontHaveTime
November 20, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Hello! Excited to see what you’ll bring to COP30!
We’re covering it live every day – join us: www.wedonthavetime.org/events/cop30...
#COP30Live #WeDontHaveTime
We’re covering it live every day – join us: www.wedonthavetime.org/events/cop30...
#COP30Live #WeDontHaveTime
Live today at the CDR Pavilion at #COP30!
Joining a panel on how carbon pricing can cut emissions in the waste sector without burdening citizens.
I’ll be presenting ZWE’s new report: “Waste incineration under the EU ETS - climate & employment impacts.”
#EUETS #ClimateAction #JustTransition
Joining a panel on how carbon pricing can cut emissions in the waste sector without burdening citizens.
I’ll be presenting ZWE’s new report: “Waste incineration under the EU ETS - climate & employment impacts.”
#EUETS #ClimateAction #JustTransition
November 20, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Live today at the CDR Pavilion at #COP30!
Joining a panel on how carbon pricing can cut emissions in the waste sector without burdening citizens.
I’ll be presenting ZWE’s new report: “Waste incineration under the EU ETS - climate & employment impacts.”
#EUETS #ClimateAction #JustTransition
Joining a panel on how carbon pricing can cut emissions in the waste sector without burdening citizens.
I’ll be presenting ZWE’s new report: “Waste incineration under the EU ETS - climate & employment impacts.”
#EUETS #ClimateAction #JustTransition
Reposted by Janek Vähk
The momentum for climate action is building at #COP30! 🌍
@janekvahk.bsky.social is speaking at two events today:
🌬️ LOW-methane in action: Reducing organic waste in Dhaka (10:00 BRT)
🍌 From pledges to practice: Implementing and financing food waste reduction after COP30 (17:15 BRT)
@janekvahk.bsky.social is speaking at two events today:
🌬️ LOW-methane in action: Reducing organic waste in Dhaka (10:00 BRT)
🍌 From pledges to practice: Implementing and financing food waste reduction after COP30 (17:15 BRT)
November 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The momentum for climate action is building at #COP30! 🌍
@janekvahk.bsky.social is speaking at two events today:
🌬️ LOW-methane in action: Reducing organic waste in Dhaka (10:00 BRT)
🍌 From pledges to practice: Implementing and financing food waste reduction after COP30 (17:15 BRT)
@janekvahk.bsky.social is speaking at two events today:
🌬️ LOW-methane in action: Reducing organic waste in Dhaka (10:00 BRT)
🍌 From pledges to practice: Implementing and financing food waste reduction after COP30 (17:15 BRT)
COP30 set bold commitments to cut global food waste - now it’s time to turn pledges into action. 🌍
Join us to explore practical solutions, from EPR to methane credits and prevention strategies, and how governments can drive real impact.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy
Join us to explore practical solutions, from EPR to methane credits and prevention strategies, and how governments can drive real impact.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy
November 19, 2025 at 8:08 AM
COP30 set bold commitments to cut global food waste - now it’s time to turn pledges into action. 🌍
Join us to explore practical solutions, from EPR to methane credits and prevention strategies, and how governments can drive real impact.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy
Join us to explore practical solutions, from EPR to methane credits and prevention strategies, and how governments can drive real impact.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy
Join us at COP30 on 19 Nov, 16:30–17:30 to turn food-waste pledges into action! 🌍
With speakers from GFN, WRAP, Carrot & Zero Waste Europe, we’ll dig into EPR, methane credits & real prevention solutions.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ZeroWaste
With speakers from GFN, WRAP, Carrot & Zero Waste Europe, we’ll dig into EPR, methane credits & real prevention solutions.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ZeroWaste
November 18, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Join us at COP30 on 19 Nov, 16:30–17:30 to turn food-waste pledges into action! 🌍
With speakers from GFN, WRAP, Carrot & Zero Waste Europe, we’ll dig into EPR, methane credits & real prevention solutions.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ZeroWaste
With speakers from GFN, WRAP, Carrot & Zero Waste Europe, we’ll dig into EPR, methane credits & real prevention solutions.
#COP30 #FoodWaste #ZeroWaste
Excited for Week 2 of #COP30 - kicking off with our event on 19 Nov, 16:30–17:30:
From Pledges to Practice: Implementing & Financing Food-Waste Reduction After COP30.
We’ll dive into how countries and cities can turn commitments into real action, from EPR for food waste to methane credits.
From Pledges to Practice: Implementing & Financing Food-Waste Reduction After COP30.
We’ll dive into how countries and cities can turn commitments into real action, from EPR for food waste to methane credits.
November 17, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Excited for Week 2 of #COP30 - kicking off with our event on 19 Nov, 16:30–17:30:
From Pledges to Practice: Implementing & Financing Food-Waste Reduction After COP30.
We’ll dive into how countries and cities can turn commitments into real action, from EPR for food waste to methane credits.
From Pledges to Practice: Implementing & Financing Food-Waste Reduction After COP30.
We’ll dive into how countries and cities can turn commitments into real action, from EPR for food waste to methane credits.
🌴Team Break on Ilha de Cotijuba!
Today we’re swapping our desks for sand, sea, and fresh island air. Cotijuba is a stunning Environmental Protection Area just off the coast of Belém 20 km of wild, peaceful beaches and nature at its best.
Our day: boat ride, breakfast, a light hike, lunch + dessert
Today we’re swapping our desks for sand, sea, and fresh island air. Cotijuba is a stunning Environmental Protection Area just off the coast of Belém 20 km of wild, peaceful beaches and nature at its best.
Our day: boat ride, breakfast, a light hike, lunch + dessert
November 16, 2025 at 10:04 AM
🌴Team Break on Ilha de Cotijuba!
Today we’re swapping our desks for sand, sea, and fresh island air. Cotijuba is a stunning Environmental Protection Area just off the coast of Belém 20 km of wild, peaceful beaches and nature at its best.
Our day: boat ride, breakfast, a light hike, lunch + dessert
Today we’re swapping our desks for sand, sea, and fresh island air. Cotijuba is a stunning Environmental Protection Area just off the coast of Belém 20 km of wild, peaceful beaches and nature at its best.
Our day: boat ride, breakfast, a light hike, lunch + dessert
Marching for the climate today in Belém! 🌎
(Well… not too hot, that’s the whole point.)
I’ll be out there walking, talking, and probably sweating—so come join me before I melt! 😅
(Well… not too hot, that’s the whole point.)
I’ll be out there walking, talking, and probably sweating—so come join me before I melt! 😅
November 15, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Marching for the climate today in Belém! 🌎
(Well… not too hot, that’s the whole point.)
I’ll be out there walking, talking, and probably sweating—so come join me before I melt! 😅
(Well… not too hot, that’s the whole point.)
I’ll be out there walking, talking, and probably sweating—so come join me before I melt! 😅
Week one at #COP30: chaotic, inspiring, and somehow survived. 🌍🔥
Life in Casa Latina, nonstop events, and the best part, conversations that mattered more than any panel. On to week two.
Boa noite, Belém. ✨🌙
Life in Casa Latina, nonstop events, and the best part, conversations that mattered more than any panel. On to week two.
Boa noite, Belém. ✨🌙
November 14, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Week one at #COP30: chaotic, inspiring, and somehow survived. 🌍🔥
Life in Casa Latina, nonstop events, and the best part, conversations that mattered more than any panel. On to week two.
Boa noite, Belém. ✨🌙
Life in Casa Latina, nonstop events, and the best part, conversations that mattered more than any panel. On to week two.
Boa noite, Belém. ✨🌙
COPs are wild - a million events at once, empty panels, mystery guests, and everyone sprinting to anything with free snacks. If you’re confused, congrats, you’re doing it right. 😂 #COP30”
November 14, 2025 at 9:47 PM
COPs are wild - a million events at once, empty panels, mystery guests, and everyone sprinting to anything with free snacks. If you’re confused, congrats, you’re doing it right. 😂 #COP30”
🚨@UNEP just launched a breakthrough to help cities halve waste & cut emissions 🌍💚
Now we need real action — policies, funding & #EPR for food products to make it happen. #COP30 #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy
Now we need real action — policies, funding & #EPR for food products to make it happen. #COP30 #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy
November 13, 2025 at 1:14 PM
🚨@UNEP just launched a breakthrough to help cities halve waste & cut emissions 🌍💚
Now we need real action — policies, funding & #EPR for food products to make it happen. #COP30 #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy
Now we need real action — policies, funding & #EPR for food products to make it happen. #COP30 #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy
Happening now at #COP30 💬
The EU made history with the first-ever prevention targets 🙌 Now it’s time to walk the talk - let’s make producers responsible for the full costs of food waste through
#EPR!
#ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #COP30
The EU made history with the first-ever prevention targets 🙌 Now it’s time to walk the talk - let’s make producers responsible for the full costs of food waste through
#EPR!
#ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #COP30
November 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Happening now at #COP30 💬
The EU made history with the first-ever prevention targets 🙌 Now it’s time to walk the talk - let’s make producers responsible for the full costs of food waste through
#EPR!
#ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #COP30
The EU made history with the first-ever prevention targets 🙌 Now it’s time to walk the talk - let’s make producers responsible for the full costs of food waste through
#EPR!
#ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #COP30
Fresh from Brazil 🇧🇷: Instituto Pólis just dropped a must-read report busting the “waste-to-energy” myth. 🔥
Launched at #COP30 - and guess who didn’t like it? 😏
bit.ly/4r2AHOE
Launched at #COP30 - and guess who didn’t like it? 😏
bit.ly/4r2AHOE
November 13, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Fresh from Brazil 🇧🇷: Instituto Pólis just dropped a must-read report busting the “waste-to-energy” myth. 🔥
Launched at #COP30 - and guess who didn’t like it? 😏
bit.ly/4r2AHOE
Launched at #COP30 - and guess who didn’t like it? 😏
bit.ly/4r2AHOE
At #COP30, waste incineration companies rebrand as “waste-to-energy” & “valorisation.” Sounds clean - until you remember Lausanne 🇨🇭, where dioxins from an old incinerator still poison soil. Burning waste isn’t climate action - it’s toxic PR. 💀🔥
bit.ly/4oEpzpC
bit.ly/4oEpzpC
November 13, 2025 at 7:37 AM
At #COP30, waste incineration companies rebrand as “waste-to-energy” & “valorisation.” Sounds clean - until you remember Lausanne 🇨🇭, where dioxins from an old incinerator still poison soil. Burning waste isn’t climate action - it’s toxic PR. 💀🔥
bit.ly/4oEpzpC
bit.ly/4oEpzpC
⏰ Happening at 15:30 today at #COP30!
What’s smarter for residual waste - chasing landfill gas or stopping it before it starts? Join @zerowasteeurope.eu @ISWA, and @Instituto 17 for a lively debate on methane prevention vs. gas capture.
No screen, but plenty of Belgian chocolate. 🍫
What’s smarter for residual waste - chasing landfill gas or stopping it before it starts? Join @zerowasteeurope.eu @ISWA, and @Instituto 17 for a lively debate on methane prevention vs. gas capture.
No screen, but plenty of Belgian chocolate. 🍫
November 12, 2025 at 2:54 PM
⏰ Happening at 15:30 today at #COP30!
What’s smarter for residual waste - chasing landfill gas or stopping it before it starts? Join @zerowasteeurope.eu @ISWA, and @Instituto 17 for a lively debate on methane prevention vs. gas capture.
No screen, but plenty of Belgian chocolate. 🍫
What’s smarter for residual waste - chasing landfill gas or stopping it before it starts? Join @zerowasteeurope.eu @ISWA, and @Instituto 17 for a lively debate on methane prevention vs. gas capture.
No screen, but plenty of Belgian chocolate. 🍫
Today at COP30 (15:30, Nordic Pavilion):
🔥 Pre-treatment vs. Gas Capture — what really works to cut methane?
Join James Law, Janek Vahk & Vanice Nakano (mod. Ian McKee).
🍫 Belgian chocolate for the brave! #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste
🔥 Pre-treatment vs. Gas Capture — what really works to cut methane?
Join James Law, Janek Vahk & Vanice Nakano (mod. Ian McKee).
🍫 Belgian chocolate for the brave! #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste
November 12, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Today at COP30 (15:30, Nordic Pavilion):
🔥 Pre-treatment vs. Gas Capture — what really works to cut methane?
Join James Law, Janek Vahk & Vanice Nakano (mod. Ian McKee).
🍫 Belgian chocolate for the brave! #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste
🔥 Pre-treatment vs. Gas Capture — what really works to cut methane?
Join James Law, Janek Vahk & Vanice Nakano (mod. Ian McKee).
🍫 Belgian chocolate for the brave! #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste