Key facts and figures on Amsterdam’s circular transition

First city to adopt the Doughnut Economy

The Amsterdam municipality was the first city to embrace the doughnut economy as a tool to meet circular ambitions. Created by Kate Raworth, it is a framework for sustainable growth that balances human needs with the planet’s ecological limits. It aims to ensure no one lacks life’s essentials while protecting the environment we all depend on. Read how it has been implemented here.

Amsterdam aims to become a fully circular city by 2050

The aim is to halve the use of new raw materials by 2030 and achieve a fully circular city by 2050. The Implementation Agenda sets out more than 70 actions that the City of Amsterdam will plan and carry out in the coming 4 years in partnership with all Amsterdammers.

City of Amsterdam aiming for 100% circular procurement by 2030

Amsterdam is using its €2.8 billion procurement budget to promote sustainability. It aims for 50% circular procurement by 2025 and 100% by 2030, with a target of reducing overall consumption by 20%. This will involve 32 municipalities, two provinces, and the regional transport authority. Key measures include a ‘reuse, unless’ policy for projects and mandatory CO2 pricing on investments over €1 million. The city is also developing broader sustainability guidelines for future tenders.

Recycling rates have reached 60%, with a target of 65% by 2025

At the national level, the Netherlands already exceeds EU recycling targets, the municipal waste recycling rates hover around 57%, surpassing the EU’s 50% (2020) and 55% (2025) benchmarks.

1st to embrace building with recycled wood and other bio-based materials

In the Buiksloterham neighbourhood, 80% of materials used in public spaces are reused or recycled. By 2025, all new buildings must use at least 20% timber or bio-based materials. Also, Amsterdam was the first to adopt building in wood on a large scale, illustrated by the MRA Convenant on Timber Building. The aim is to build 20% of all houses with wood from 2025 onwards. 

Circular jobs make up 11% of employment in the Amsterdam Area

According to the Amsterdam Economic Board, circular jobs are growing fast. As of the latest data, approximately 140,000 jobs in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area are classified as circular, representing 11% of total employment. This is higher than the national average of 8.1%.

Circular Economy Monitor is one of the earliest of its kind

Amsterdam’s Circular Economy Monitor is among the first of its kind globally. Launched in 2022, the Monitor tracks material flows and evaluates goals, such as halving raw material use by 2030 and achieving full circularity by 2050. 

Port of Amsterdam aims to be fully circular by 2050

The Port of Amsterdam is on its way to becoming a climate-neutral and fossil-free port. By 2025, it aims to allocate 25 hectares for circular activities, supporting the growth of circular cargo and hosting companies involved in biofuels and material recycling. In the port area, green gas is produced from the silt that remains after sewage water has been filtered, showcasing innovative waste management strategies.