7.1 Zero waste strategies and policies

Zero waste strategies aim to minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery through prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting. These approaches create a circular economy, reducing environmental impact and conserving resources while promoting sustainable development and green job creation.

The waste management hierarchy prioritizes refusing unnecessary items, reducing consumption, reusing products, and recycling materials. Composting organic waste and using waste-to-energy as a last resort before landfilling are also key components. Implementing these strategies requires policy support, infrastructure development, and public participation.

Zero waste definition and goals

• Zero waste is a holistic approach to waste management that aims to minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery through a combination of waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting strategies
• The ultimate goal of zero waste is to create a circular economy where resources are continuously cycled back into the system, reducing the need for raw material extraction and waste disposal
• Zero waste strategies can help cities and communities reduce their environmental footprint, conserve natural resources, create green jobs, and promote sustainable development

Waste management hierarchy

Refuse and rethink

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• The top priority in the waste management hierarchy is to refuse unnecessary products and packaging, and rethink consumption patterns to prevent waste from being generated in the first place
• This can involve choosing reusable and durable products over single-use disposables (reusable shopping bags, water bottles), avoiding over-packaged goods, and opting for digital solutions instead of physical products (e-tickets, online documents)
• Refusing and rethinking also involves challenging the linear "take-make-dispose" economic model and designing products and systems for longevity, repairability, and recyclability

Reduce and reuse

• The next step in the hierarchy is to reduce the amount of waste generated by using products more efficiently and extending their useful life through reuse and repair
• Reducing waste can involve buying in bulk to minimize packaging, using concentrated products (laundry detergent), and choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging
• Reuse strategies include donating or selling used items (clothing, furniture), using refillable containers (beverages, cleaning products), and participating in sharing and rental programs (tool libraries, car-sharing)

Recycle and compost

• Recycling involves collecting and processing waste materials to create new products, conserving natural resources and reducing the need for virgin raw materials
• Common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and certain plastics (PET, HDPE), which can be collected through curbside programs or drop-off centers
• Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings) into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, diverting waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Recycling and composting require proper sorting and collection systems, as well as processing infrastructure and end markets for recovered materials

Waste-to-energy vs landfills

• Waste-to-energy (WTE) involves incinerating waste to generate electricity or heat, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills and recovering some energy value from residual materials
• However, WTE is considered a last resort in the zero waste hierarchy due to concerns about air pollution, toxic ash disposal, and the destruction of potentially recyclable materials
• Landfills are the least preferred option for waste disposal, as they can lead to groundwater contamination, methane emissions, and the permanent loss of resources
• Zero waste strategies prioritize diverting waste from both WTE facilities and landfills through prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting

Circular economy principles

Closed-loop systems

• A closed-loop system is one in which materials are continuously cycled back into the production process, minimizing waste and reducing the need for raw material inputs
• This involves designing products for disassembly and recyclability, using recycled materials in new products, and establishing take-back programs for used products (electronics, textiles)
• Closed-loop systems can be implemented at various scales, from individual products and companies to entire industries and regional economies

Cradle-to-cradle design

• Cradle-to-cradle design is a biomimetic approach that seeks to create products and systems that are safe, healthy, and regenerative, mimicking the nutrient cycles found in nature
• This involves using non-toxic, biodegradable materials that can be safely returned to the environment (compostable packaging), or designing products for perpetual recycling (aluminum cans, glass bottles)
• Cradle-to-cradle design also considers the social and economic dimensions of sustainability, ensuring that products and systems are equitable, accessible, and beneficial to all stakeholders

Product stewardship and EPR

• Product stewardship is the principle that all parties involved in the life cycle of a product, from manufacturers to consumers, have a shared responsibility for minimizing its environmental impact
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products, typically through take-back programs, recycling targets, or eco-design requirements
• EPR programs can be mandatory (legislated) or voluntary (industry-led), and can cover a wide range of products (packaging, electronics, batteries, tires)
• By internalizing the costs of waste management and recycling, EPR can create incentives for producers to design more sustainable and recyclable products

Zero waste policies and legislation

Plastic bag bans and fees

• Many cities and countries have implemented bans or fees on single-use plastic bags to reduce litter, marine pollution, and waste management costs
• Plastic bag bans typically prohibit retailers from providing thin, disposable plastic bags at the point of sale, while allowing reusable or paper bags
• Fees on plastic bags (usually $0.05 to$0.25 per bag) aim to discourage their use and encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags
• Studies have shown that plastic bag policies can significantly reduce bag consumption and waste, although some concerns exist about the environmental impact of alternative bags (paper, cotton)

Food waste reduction targets

• Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion, with an estimated one-third of all food produced globally being lost or wasted
• Many cities and countries have set ambitious targets to reduce food waste, often as part of broader zero waste or climate action plans
• Food waste reduction targets can apply to various stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption
• Strategies to reduce food waste include improving supply chain efficiency, changing consumer behavior (meal planning, proper storage), and rescuing surplus food for donation or secondary uses (animal feed, composting)

Landfill diversion mandates

• Landfill diversion mandates are policies that require a certain percentage of waste to be diverted from landfills through recycling, composting, or other recovery methods
• These mandates can apply to specific waste streams (organic waste, construction and demolition debris), sectors (commercial, multi-family residential), or entire jurisdictions
• Landfill diversion targets are often phased in over time, with increasing diversion rates required in successive years (50% by 2020, 75% by 2025)
• To meet these targets, cities and businesses may need to expand recycling and composting programs, invest in new processing infrastructure, and engage in waste reduction and reuse initiatives

Green procurement policies

• Green procurement policies require or encourage public agencies and institutions to purchase environmentally preferable products and services, such as those with recycled content, reduced packaging, or third-party sustainability certifications
• These policies can create stable markets for sustainable products, drive innovation in green technologies, and reduce the environmental impact of government operations
• Green procurement can apply to a wide range of goods and services (office supplies, electronics, vehicles, cleaning products, food service) and may involve preferential purchasing, minimum content standards, or life-cycle cost analysis
• Successful green procurement programs require clear guidelines, staff training, supplier engagement, and ongoing monitoring and reporting

Municipal zero waste programs

Curbside recycling and composting

• Curbside recycling and composting are convenient, municipal-scale programs that collect recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic) and organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings) directly from households and businesses
• These programs typically provide dedicated bins or carts for each waste stream, which are collected on a regular schedule (weekly, biweekly) by specialized trucks
• Curbside programs can significantly increase recycling and composting rates, diverting waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Successful programs require ongoing education and outreach to ensure proper sorting and participation, as well as adequate processing infrastructure and end markets for recovered materials

Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) systems

• Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) systems, also known as variable-rate pricing or unit-based pricing, charge residents and businesses for waste disposal based on the amount of waste they generate, typically measured by the size of their garbage container or the number of bags they use
• PAYT creates a direct economic incentive to reduce waste and increase recycling and composting, as households and businesses can save money by generating less garbage
• PAYT programs can be structured in various ways, such as subscription-based (choosing a specific container size), bag-based (purchasing special bags or stickers), or weight-based (charging by the pound)
• Successful PAYT programs require clear communication, convenient recycling and composting options, and measures to prevent illegal dumping or contamination

Reuse and repair centers

• Reuse and repair centers are facilities that accept donated goods (furniture, appliances, clothing, building materials) and make them available for sale or redistribution to the community, often at reduced prices
• These centers can include thrift stores, salvage yards, tool libraries, and online platforms for exchanging goods (Freecycle, Buy Nothing)
• Reuse and repair centers help extend the useful life of products, reduce waste, and provide affordable goods to low-income households
• Some centers also offer repair services or workshops to teach people how to fix their own items (electronics, clothing, furniture), promoting self-sufficiency and waste reduction

Education and outreach campaigns

• Education and outreach campaigns are essential for raising awareness about zero waste principles, encouraging behavior change, and ensuring participation in waste reduction and recycling programs
• These campaigns can take many forms, such as school curricula, community workshops, social media content, and public events (Earth Day celebrations, repair cafes)
• Effective campaigns use clear, consistent messaging, engaging visuals, and targeted approaches for different audiences (youth, businesses, non-English speakers)
• Education and outreach should be ongoing and responsive to changing needs and challenges, such as contamination issues or new program rollouts

Business and industry initiatives

Zero waste certification

• Zero waste certification programs recognize businesses and facilities that have achieved high levels of waste reduction and diversion through a combination of prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting strategies
• These programs typically require a minimum diversion rate (90% or higher), as well as ongoing waste audits, employee training, and reporting
• Examples of zero waste certification programs include TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) by GBCI, Zero Waste Facility Certification by the US Zero Waste Business Council, and the Zero Waste to Landfill certification by UL
• Achieving zero waste certification can help businesses reduce costs, improve environmental performance, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability to customers and stakeholders

Sustainable packaging design

• Sustainable packaging design involves creating packaging that is functional, safe, and environmentally responsible throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal
• Key principles of sustainable packaging include using recycled and recyclable materials, minimizing packaging weight and volume, designing for reuse and refill, and avoiding toxic or hard-to-recycle components (mixed materials, adhesives)
• Sustainable packaging can also incorporate bio-based or biodegradable materials (plant-based plastics, molded fiber) for specific applications, although these materials still require proper collection and processing infrastructure
• Many companies are adopting sustainable packaging goals and initiatives, often in response to consumer demand and regulatory pressures (extended producer responsibility laws)

Industrial symbiosis and eco-parks

• Industrial symbiosis is a collaborative approach where businesses exchange materials, energy, water, and by-products to create mutual economic and environmental benefits, mimicking the resource efficiency of natural ecosystems
• In an industrial symbiosis network, the waste or by-product of one company becomes the raw material for another, reducing waste disposal costs, virgin resource consumption, and environmental impacts
• Eco-industrial parks are planned developments that facilitate industrial symbiosis by co-locating complementary businesses and providing shared infrastructure and services (wastewater treatment, renewable energy)
• Successful industrial symbiosis projects require trust, communication, and long-term commitment among participating companies, as well as supportive policies and regulations (zoning, permitting)

Challenges and opportunities

Behavior change and public participation

• Achieving zero waste requires significant behavior change and public participation, as individuals and businesses play a crucial role in preventing waste, properly sorting materials, and supporting circular economy initiatives
• Common barriers to behavior change include convenience, habit, lack of knowledge or motivation, and perceived costs or inconvenience of sustainable practices
• Strategies to encourage behavior change include providing education and feedback (bin audits, waste reduction tips), offering incentives and rewards (discounts for reusable containers), and using social norms and peer influence (community-based social marketing)
• Public participation can also be fostered through inclusive decision-making processes, such as community visioning workshops, stakeholder advisory committees, and participatory budgeting for waste management projects

Infrastructure and technology gaps

• Achieving zero waste requires adequate infrastructure and technology for collecting, processing, and recovering waste materials, as well as for supporting reuse, repair, and circular economy activities
• Many communities lack sufficient recycling and composting facilities, especially for hard-to-recycle materials (e-waste, textiles, mixed plastics) or in rural areas
• Emerging technologies, such as advanced sorting systems, chemical recycling, and anaerobic digestion, can help improve the efficiency and economics of waste recovery, but may require significant investment and policy support
• Other infrastructure needs include reuse and repair centers, materials exchanges, and eco-industrial parks to facilitate the circulation of goods and materials

Economic incentives and barriers

• Economic incentives and barriers play a significant role in shaping waste management practices and the transition to a circular economy
• Landfill tipping fees, which charge waste generators for disposal based on weight or volume, can create incentives for waste reduction and diversion, but may also lead to illegal dumping or exporting of waste
• Recycling markets can be volatile and dependent on global commodity prices, making it challenging for municipalities and businesses to sustain recycling programs over the long term
• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies can help internalize the costs of waste management and create incentives for product redesign, but may face resistance from industry stakeholders
• Other economic tools include tax credits for recycling and reuse activities, grants and loans for waste reduction and circular economy projects, and green procurement policies to drive demand for sustainable products

Measuring and monitoring progress

• Measuring and monitoring progress is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of zero waste policies and programs, identifying areas for improvement, and communicating results to stakeholders
• Key performance indicators for zero waste can include waste generation per capita, recycling and composting rates, landfill diversion percentage, and greenhouse gas emissions from waste management activities
• Waste audits and characterization studies can provide detailed data on the composition and sources of waste, informing targeted reduction and diversion strategies
• Standardized reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), can help organizations track and disclose their waste management performance in a consistent and comparable manner
• Engaging the public in citizen science and participatory monitoring (litter cleanups, waste audits) can also raise awareness and support for zero waste initiatives