Munich has managed in a short time to become a leader in the waste management and recycling industry in Euope, as the city was among the first to adopt strict zero waste policies and pursue a circular economy. With a well-established waste management system in place since 1999, Munich continues to set benchmarks in sustainability by focusing on recycling, waste prevention, and community engagement. At the heart of Munich’s circular economy strategy is its flagship reuse hub, Halle 2. More than just a second-hand store, Halle 2 actively repairs and repurposes items that would otherwise become waste, preventing approximately 1,000 tonnes of waste per year. Since its inception, the initiative has won widespread recognition, including the Eurocities Cooperation Award in 2017. Before waste even enters Munich’s recycling industry, Halle 2 extends the lifecycle of consumer goods and fosters community participation. The city’s waste management agency, the Waste Management Corporation Munich (AWM), first experimented with second-hand retail in 2000 as a way to move beyond recycling and promote waste prevention. Initially located in an old car shed, the original Halle concept was a small-scale project dedicated to collecting, repairing, and reselling used goods. Over the years, AWM refined and expanded the initiative, leading to the opening of a larger, better-equipped, and more consumer-friendly Halle 2 in 2016. The facility now serves as a model for other cities looking to enhance their waste prevention strategies. Munich’s waste management system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. In 2018, the city recycled 54% of its collected waste, surpassing the EU’s 2020 target of 50%. Additionally, the city generates relatively low waste per capita—365 kg of residual waste per person—despite its size and economic prosperity. To support its recycling goals, Munich provides extensive waste collection services.