7.1 Zero waste strategies and policies
11 min read•august 20, 2024
strategies aim to minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery through prevention, reuse, , and . These approaches create a , reducing environmental impact and conserving resources while promoting sustainable development and green job creation.
The prioritizes refusing unnecessary items, reducing consumption, reusing products, and recycling materials. Composting organic waste and using as a last resort before landfilling are also key components. Implementing these strategies requires policy support, infrastructure development, and .
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)
- can be implemented at various scales, from individual products and companies to entire industries and regional economies
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
- 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
- (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
- 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 0.25 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- (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
- 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
- are essential for raising awareness about zero waste principles, encouraging , 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
- 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 (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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Key Terms to Review (34)
Behavior Change: Behavior change refers to the process of modifying human behaviors, especially those that impact environmental sustainability. This concept is vital for promoting practices that minimize waste and encourage recycling, composting, and resource conservation. By understanding how to influence behavior change, communities can implement strategies that lead to long-term reductions in waste generation and enhance the effectiveness of zero waste policies.
Circular economy: A circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources by creating a closed-loop system where products, materials, and resources are reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take-make-dispose' model and focuses on single-use products. Emphasizing sustainability, the circular economy fosters environmental protection while driving innovation in product design and business practices.
Closed-loop systems: Closed-loop systems refer to a sustainable approach where waste is minimized and materials are continually reused, creating a self-sustaining cycle. This concept emphasizes reducing resource consumption and enhancing efficiency by recycling materials back into the production process, thereby reducing environmental impact. These systems can support various sustainable practices and strategies aimed at improving resource management and minimizing waste.
Composting: Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a valuable fertilizer known as compost. This process not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also enriches the soil, supporting sustainable agriculture and gardening practices. By breaking down organic materials through microbial activity, composting transforms waste into a resource, fostering healthier ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management.
Cradle-to-Cradle Design: Cradle-to-cradle design is a sustainable approach to product development that emphasizes the creation of products with the intention of their eventual reuse, recycling, or biodegradation. This concept encourages a circular economy by ensuring that materials used in products can be fully recovered and repurposed, thus eliminating waste and minimizing environmental impact.
Curbside composting: Curbside composting is a waste management practice that involves the collection of organic waste materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, from households at the curbside for processing into compost. This method supports sustainability by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting the recycling of organic materials back into the environment.
Curbside recycling: Curbside recycling is a waste management practice where recyclable materials are collected from households and businesses at the curb on designated collection days. This process helps reduce landfill waste, encourages recycling habits among residents, and supports the overall goal of zero waste strategies by making recycling more accessible and convenient.
Diversion rate: The diversion rate is a metric used to measure the percentage of waste materials that are redirected away from landfills and incineration towards recycling, composting, or other recovery processes. A higher diversion rate indicates more effective waste management practices, which are critical for achieving sustainability goals, reducing environmental impact, and promoting circular economy principles.
Eco-parks: Eco-parks are designated green spaces that integrate natural ecosystems with recreational areas, aiming to promote environmental conservation, sustainability, and public engagement. These parks often feature native plant species, wildlife habitats, and educational programs to raise awareness about ecological issues and encourage responsible use of natural resources.
Economic incentives: Economic incentives are financial motivations that encourage individuals or businesses to engage in certain behaviors or make specific choices. These incentives can be designed to promote positive outcomes, such as reducing waste or increasing recycling, particularly in the context of sustainable practices. By altering the cost-benefit analysis for stakeholders, economic incentives can effectively drive the adoption of zero waste strategies and policies.
Education and outreach campaigns: Education and outreach campaigns are structured initiatives aimed at raising awareness, providing information, and encouraging participation among the public regarding specific issues, such as waste management and recycling practices. These campaigns play a vital role in zero waste strategies by fostering community engagement, changing consumer behavior, and promoting sustainable practices to reduce waste generation.
Extended Producer Responsibility: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management. This means manufacturers must take responsibility for the disposal or recycling of their products once they are no longer used, encouraging sustainable practices and reducing waste. EPR connects to broader strategies like zero waste initiatives, enhancing recycling and composting efforts, promoting a circular economy, and influencing material management to minimize environmental impact.
Food waste reduction targets: Food waste reduction targets are specific, measurable goals set by governments, organizations, and communities aimed at decreasing the amount of food that is wasted throughout the supply chain. These targets are essential in promoting sustainable practices and fostering awareness about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of food waste. Achieving these targets often involves implementing various strategies and policies that align with zero waste principles.
Green procurement policies: Green procurement policies refer to the strategies and practices that organizations adopt to purchase goods and services that have a reduced impact on the environment. These policies aim to promote sustainability by prioritizing products that are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, or made from recycled materials. By integrating environmental considerations into the procurement process, organizations can support zero waste initiatives and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
Industrial symbiosis: Industrial symbiosis is a collaborative approach in which different industries or companies work together to utilize each other's waste materials, energy, and resources, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and reduces costs. This concept promotes sustainability by turning waste into valuable resources, enhancing overall efficiency and promoting environmental responsibility. By fostering interconnections between businesses, industrial symbiosis supports a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
Infrastructure gaps: Infrastructure gaps refer to the shortcomings or deficiencies in the physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. These gaps can hinder effective waste management systems and the implementation of zero waste strategies, making it challenging for communities to achieve sustainable waste practices and minimize environmental impact.
Landfill diversion mandates: Landfill diversion mandates are regulations or policies established by governments to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, promoting alternative waste management practices like recycling and composting. These mandates aim to decrease environmental impacts, conserve resources, and encourage sustainable waste management strategies in communities. By implementing such regulations, jurisdictions seek to move towards a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.
Measuring progress: Measuring progress refers to the systematic assessment of advancements made toward achieving set goals, particularly in sustainability and waste management initiatives. This concept is crucial as it involves tracking performance indicators, evaluating outcomes, and making necessary adjustments to strategies to ensure effectiveness. By quantifying achievements, stakeholders can understand their impact, enhance accountability, and drive continuous improvement in practices aimed at reducing waste and fostering a zero-waste culture.
Pay-as-you-throw: Pay-as-you-throw is a waste management pricing strategy where residents are charged for waste disposal based on the amount of trash they produce. This system encourages individuals and businesses to reduce their waste generation and promote recycling and composting, aligning closely with zero waste strategies and policies aimed at minimizing landfill use and maximizing resource recovery.
Plastic bag bans: Plastic bag bans are policies enacted by governments to prohibit the distribution and use of single-use plastic bags, aiming to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact. These bans are part of broader efforts to promote sustainability and encourage the use of reusable bags, ultimately contributing to zero waste goals by minimizing landfill contributions and pollution in oceans and other ecosystems.
Product Stewardship: Product stewardship is a systematic approach that holds all parties involved in the life cycle of a product accountable for its environmental impact, from design to disposal. This concept emphasizes that manufacturers, retailers, and consumers share responsibility for minimizing waste and promoting sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. By integrating environmental considerations into product design and usage, product stewardship aims to reduce the overall negative impacts on the environment and encourage resource efficiency.
Public awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are strategic efforts designed to inform and educate the public about specific issues, aiming to change attitudes, behaviors, or policies. These campaigns often utilize various communication methods such as social media, advertisements, community events, and informational materials to effectively reach their audience. They play a critical role in mobilizing community action and fostering a culture of engagement around important social, environmental, and health-related topics.
Public Participation: Public participation refers to the involvement of individuals and communities in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, particularly in planning and policy-making. It emphasizes collaboration and engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, and enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
Recycling: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials, reducing the need for new resources and minimizing environmental impact. It plays a critical role in sustainable waste management practices, helping to conserve natural resources, reduce landfill waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By facilitating the repurposing of materials, recycling contributes significantly to the goals of reducing overall consumption and promoting a circular economy.
Reuse and repair centers: Reuse and repair centers are facilities designed to promote the extended life of products through repair, refurbishment, and reuse rather than disposal. These centers serve as community hubs that encourage sustainable practices by providing resources, tools, and skilled assistance to help individuals fix broken items or find new uses for them, thus contributing to a circular economy and minimizing waste.
Reuse programs: Reuse programs are initiatives designed to encourage the repeated use of items instead of discarding them, significantly reducing waste and promoting sustainability. These programs focus on creating a circular economy where products are reused, repurposed, or recycled, thereby minimizing the consumption of new resources. By fostering a culture of reuse, these programs contribute to zero waste strategies that aim to divert materials from landfills and lower environmental impact.
Source reduction: Source reduction is the practice of reducing the amount of waste generated at the source, before it enters the waste stream. This approach emphasizes minimizing waste production through changes in consumption habits, product design, and manufacturing processes. By focusing on the prevention of waste rather than its management, source reduction plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals and reducing environmental impact.
Stakeholder involvement: Stakeholder involvement refers to the active participation of individuals or groups who have an interest or stake in a particular project or decision-making process. This concept is crucial in ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, enhancing transparency, and fostering collaboration, which ultimately leads to more sustainable and accepted outcomes.
Sustainable packaging design: Sustainable packaging design refers to the creation of packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal. This approach incorporates materials that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable, and emphasizes reducing waste and resource consumption. Sustainable packaging not only protects products but also supports broader zero waste strategies by encouraging responsible consumption and waste management practices.
Waste Composition Analysis: Waste composition analysis is the systematic study of the types and quantities of materials found in waste streams. This process helps in understanding what is being discarded, enabling more effective waste management strategies and supporting the transition towards zero waste initiatives by identifying potential areas for reduction, reuse, and recycling.
Waste Management Hierarchy: The waste management hierarchy is a framework that prioritizes waste management strategies according to their environmental impact and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of reducing waste generation, followed by reusing, recycling, recovery, and finally disposal as the least preferred option. This hierarchy guides policies and strategies toward achieving zero waste goals by promoting practices that minimize waste at its source.
Waste-to-energy: Waste-to-energy is a process that converts non-recyclable waste materials into usable forms of energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat. This method serves to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills while simultaneously generating energy, making it an essential component in efforts toward sustainability and efficient waste management.
Zero waste: Zero waste is a philosophy and strategy aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced by a community or organization to as close to zero as possible. It emphasizes the redesign of resource life cycles, encouraging practices that prioritize reuse, recycling, and composting, ultimately minimizing landfill use. This approach not only focuses on managing waste but also on rethinking consumption patterns and resource efficiency.
Zero Waste Certification: Zero Waste Certification is a formal recognition awarded to organizations that demonstrate significant commitment to waste reduction practices, aiming to divert at least 90% of their waste from landfills and incineration. This certification signifies a holistic approach to resource management, emphasizing the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling in daily operations. Organizations that achieve this certification not only reduce their environmental impact but also often experience cost savings and enhanced community engagement.