Contrary to popular belief, composting in cities does not cause rodent problems. This guide shows how composting food scraps, instead of dumping them in the trash, has the power to mitigate rodent pressures in urban neighborhoods.… Read More
Across the U.S., the effects of 2022’s record high heat temperatures are widespread as climate change continues to exacerbate rising temperatures, intensifying heat-induced dangers to the public health and wellbeing of urban communities, Baltimore included. While the corporate sector is responsible for the majority of emissions causing rapid climate change, there are some green infrastructure and waste-reduction practices to enlist at the local level that can help curb the impacts of the warming climate.… Read More
Linda Bilsens Brolis, senior project manager for the Composting for Community Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance explains how renters can take an active role in combating climate change through composting.… Read More
A per-ton surcharge on waste disposed is a funding mechanism with a proven track record of raising funds to reduce and recycle waste. This model bill serves to address the need for state investment into waste reduction and diversion programs and infrastructure by establishing major grant funding based on a nominal surcharge on waste disposal. This document is intended for use as a template for a bill that any state can adapt and introduce.… Read More
ILSR has been assisting grass roots organizations in Baltimore to fend off new incinerators and shut down an existing aging and polluting garbage incinerator in Downtown Baltimore, planning for and implementing Zero Waste practices. These practices would also help the city and communities address other pressing problems in the city; including the need for more good jobs, reduced recidivism, elimination of the ‘digital divide’, and creation of new small businesses, community based food production and environmental education.
The following article makes suggestions for transforming the current recycling system, and an update on community based activity in the context of rapidly changing markets, technology and entrepreneurial opportunities.… Read More
With momentum from the wins for composting achieved during Maryland’s 2021 legislative session, ILSR’s Composting Initiative team supported three composting-related bills during Maryland’s 2022 legislative session. Our team continues to push to advance necessary and visionary policy on composting, waste diversion, and healthy soils in Maryland.… Read More
The California Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations Initiative has the potential to send ripples through the world’s fifth largest economy as the state aims to lead on waste reduction. … Read More
ILSR’s Composting for Community team has worked closely with Delegate Regina T. Boyce to introduce the Solid Waste Disposal and Diversion and On-Farm Composting and Compost Use bill (HB 1070) for Maryland’s 2022 legislative session.… Read More
From domestic cities like Ocean City, Maryland to Salem, Oregon and international locations from Ontario, Canada and the United Kingdom, we provide updates on garbage incineration efforts around the globe.… Read More
