The US Environmental Protection Agency provides an important series of resources that document the success of bottom-up recycling initiatives that can transform municipal waste programs, re-localize control of recycling, and end the stagnation caused by Big Waste and Big Soda.
“Sharing effective local government Zero Waste and climate actions is the purpose of EPA’s Managing and Transforming Waste Streams website. EPA’s site features 100 community Zero Waste opportunities as well as franchise and contract language from communities across the nation,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Land Chemicals and Redevelopment Division Director Jeff Scott.
The Website, subtitled Charting a Path Towards Zero Waste, presents an extensive Policy and Programs Table, Supporting Information, Contract Language and Analytical Tools, and perhaps the most valuable, Featured High Diversion and Zero Waste Initiative Min-Case Studies and Resources. This last tool includes 100 detailed descriptions for readers to browse these transformative solutions to municipal recycling and wasting and adopt and/or adapt these new rules, procedures and technical assistance strategies locally. Topics include:
- Goals and Planning
- Local Government Operations
- Curbside Collection
- Food Waste Programs
- Assistance to Businesses and Institutions
- Infrastructure and Markets
- Community Outreach and Education
- Product Stewardship
- Construction and Demolition Debris
- Disposal Restrictions or Disincentives
- High Diversion
- Goal Integration Across Plans
- Market Development Opportunities Assessment
- Zero Waste Goal / Plan
- Zero Waste Goals for Organics
- Zero Waste Collection Infrastructure
The content for this invaluable resource was developed under contract with EPA Region 9 by a team of national experts led by Portia Sinnott, now with Zero Waste USA
Credit: Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash
