Community Clean-Up Records (Malaysia): Hari Cuci Malaysia 2026 set Malaysia Book of Records with 272,390 participants, 89,221.22 kg of recyclables collected, and 8,010.19 tonnes of solid waste gathered across 469 locations, backed by 10,000 schools. Flood Resilience (Philippines): Sen. Loren Legarda urged stronger flood prevention 17 years after Ondoy, warning that more communities are flooding after short heavy rains and calling for better drainage plus watershed and wetland protection. Battery & Critical Minerals (Europe): A German firm expanded lithium battery recycling to cut Europe’s reliance on China, using a process that avoids aggressive chemicals, though challenges remain. Recycling Rules at Home (UK): A “binfluencer” and refuse collectors highlighted that polystyrene packaging usually belongs in general waste, not recycling, to prevent contamination. Local Waste Governance (UK): Cumberland Council approved a controversial waste management plan despite resident objections over noise, dust, traffic, and the site’s temporary-permission status. Circular Reuse (India): Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav footwear cleanup diverted nearly eight tonnes of shoes and sandals to upcycling for children instead of landfills. Smart Waste Collection (Iraq): Iraq launched its first smart waste collection system in Karbala, using an underground network to move waste to transfer stations. Organic Waste Pilot (UAE): UAEU and Emirates Biotech began a two-year organic-waste valorization pilot to turn food waste and compostable packaging into biogas and compost. Plastic Pollution Action (Pacific): Cook Islands stakeholders met to push practical steps and a national action plan to cut single-use plastics and improve waste management.