The Zero Waste Program 2015-2035 is a local government Program that aims at reducing final disposition of wastes through four components: Raising Awareness, Logistics, Institutional Strengthening and Regulations, and Promotion of the Market; within the framework of the circular economy. The Program includes a pilot project which will be developed in three different sectors of the city of Panama.

The pilot project, through a public-private partnership, has been initiated in the corregimiento of Bethania providing recycling stations, informal and formal awareness campaigns, monitoring, transportation, and a collection center. In Bethania, the pilot project is also establishing an Ecological Center for the treatment of organic wastes (green wastes and home organic wastes).

The Program is also promoting private and informal recycler's, as well as a certification of private companies which carry out integrated waste management plans. A plan of action to tackle municipal organic wastes produced at markets, restaurants, supermarkets, and homes has been generated with the support of the British Government and the Foundation Wastes Resources Action Programme (WRAP). The Program is also seeking at establishing local regulations and promote national ones to reduce and manage different products and materials beginning with plastics bags and containers. The city of Panama dumps more than 2,000 tons of wastes in a collapsed waste landfill (Cerro Patacn) which contaminates soil, air, and aquatic and marine ecosystems.