Zer0 Waste Natural Park

01 · Context

Why do we need a different park?

Rapid demographic growth and accelerated urbanisation in Ilfov have led to a significant reduction of green spaces and growing volumes of waste. The municipal waste recycling rate remains below committed targets. Zer0 Waste Natural Park is Ilfov County Council's concrete response — a replicable model for any Romanian community.

Natura 2000

Aligned with the Natura 2000 action plan

~600 ha

Căldăraru Forest area, project location

First zero waste park in Romania

02 · Mission

A sanctuary in nature,
built from waste.

Our goal is to transform Căldăraru Forest into an innovative urban park where every element is recyclable and sustainable. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the forest ecosystem while simultaneously being educated about environmental protection and responsible behaviour.

"One person's trash becomes another's comfort, playground and running track."

03 · The three pillars

How does Zer0 Waste work?

♻️

Recycling

→ 100% recycled urban furniture (PET, rubber)
→ Running track made from 20,000 pairs of recycled sneakers
→ Selective collection system throughout the park

📚

Education

→ Educational centre for visitors of all ages
→ Interactive workshops, themed exhibitions, school programmes
→ Partnerships with universities and research institutions

⚡

Innovation

→ Renewable energy: solar panels + wind turbines
→ Smart sensors for energy and water consumption monitoring
→ Digitalisation and real-time environmental impact reporting

04 · In practice

Waste as raw material.

Running track and basketball court made from recycled materials in Căldăraru Forest

Recycling · Sport

Track & court from sneakers

20,000 pairs of recycled footwear make up the running track and basketball court.

Family cycling on the bike track in Zer0 Waste Natural Park, Cernica

Recycling · Infrastructure

Bike lane from recycled rubber

Rubber from worn tyres becomes a high-performance surface for urban cycling.

Park benches and urban furniture made from recycled PET plastic

Recycling · Furniture

Urban furniture from recycled PET

Chairs and benches made from 10 kg of recycled PET bottles each.

05 · Credibility

Projects selected by UAUIM

🥇 1st place

Forest in the Circle of Life

Circular vision for sustainability — integrated into the official park plan. Team 3, UAUIM.

🥈 2nd place

Nature's Mirage

Design reflecting biodiversity and human–nature connection — selected for implementation. Team 6, UAUIM.

🥉 3rd place

Shape of Woods

Organic architecture inspired by forest forms — integrated layout concept. Team 5, UAUIM.

Workshop UAUIM × CJ Ilfov

The field visit and first workshop dedicated to the park took place in collaboration with "Ion Mincu" University of Architecture and Urbanism. Urban planning students analysed the site together with the Chief Architect of Ilfov County Council.

selected projects

06 · What we are looking for

We are building the park together.

🏛️

UAT / County replication

Local and county authorities wishing to replicate the Zer0 Waste model in their community. We provide know-how, methodology and implementation support.

🤝

Sponsorship & materials

Companies wishing to contribute recycled materials, funding or equipment. Visibility in the park, at the stand and in all Ilfov County communications.

⚙️

Technology & Education

Providers of smart solutions, renewable energy, IoT monitoring or environmental education programmes. Direct integration into the project.

07 · Public consultation

What do you want in Zer0 Waste Park?

The UAUIM winning project — "Forest in the Circle of Life" — proposes 5 distinct zones. Check what suits you and choose your preferred aesthetic. Your opinion matters for the final shape of the park.

1 Check the needs that suit you

my need is: Walk through nature on equestrian trails

and it means: Equestrian trail, visitor parking, access from the Bucharest Ring Road.

my need is: Have activities for the whole family, at any age

and it means: Circle of Life — alleys with activities from children to adults, pavilion, water canal, lake pontoon.

my need is: Walk or cycle above the forest

and it means: Suspended circular trail for pedestrians and cyclists, with tree cut-outs.

my need is: Experience nature through all senses on recycled-material alleys

and it means: Sensory trail — recycled material pavement with different textures, alternating scent and colour vegetation.

my need is: Rent a bicycle and explore the forest freely

and it means: Bicycle rental centre, trails at different heights, connection to the suspended circular trail.

my need is: See how sustainability works in practice

and it means: Hydroponic farm, compost stations, lake water filtration, recyclable materials (plastic, glass, mycelium bricks).

my need is: Learn about recycling and circular economy interactively

and it means: Educational workshops, zero waste exhibitions, programmes for children and adults, guided park tours.

2 Add your own idea (optional)

Fill in your contact details to submit your opinion:

Name *

Email *

0 needs selected

UAUIM winning project: "Forest in the Circle of Life" — Team 3: Irina Benchescu, Octavian Pocriște, Andreea Roman, Raluca Voicu. Coordinator: Dr. Arch. Simona Butnariu. · More details →

08 · Contact

Leave your details.
We'll contact you within 24h.

The form takes under 60 seconds. No bureaucracy — just a conversation about how we can collaborate.

Takes ~15 seconds

Natural ParkZer0 Waste