America Recycles Day: Highlighting San Diego’s Path to Zero Waste

For the last several years in recognition of America Recycles Day on November 15, WAXIE has posted an article on the topic of recycling to this blog page. In keeping with the tradition this year, WAXIE is excited to partner with the Environmental Services Department at the City of San Diego who have been kind enough to provide the following article on the topic of Zero Waste for our blog.

To learn more about America Recycles Day: http://americarecyclesday.org/

San Diego’s Path to Zero Waste

Guest Post By: Chelsea Klaseus & Rebecca Hays, City of San Diego Environmental Specialists

Did you know that the State of California has a goal to divert 75% of trash from landfills (AB 341)? The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) is making great strides on the path towards Zero Waste in order to achieve that goal and go beyond. On December 16, 2013, the City adopted a Zero Waste Objective that established the precise targets for the City to develop a Zero Waste Plan (ZWP) of 75% diversion of waste from landfills by 2020 and Zero Waste by 2040. 

Zero Waste is a principle that calls for handling discarded materials as resources rather than waste, and for conserving these resources through waste prevention, recycling, composting, and other technologies. It takes into consideration how resources flow from “cradle to grave” focusing on conservation during the total life cycle of materials from product design, collection, and processing to the marketing of new products made from the material. Progress towards Zero Waste requires an enhanced emphasis on education, legislation, technology, and sustainable markets.

Since the adoption of the Zero Waste Objective, the City has worked closely with numerous stakeholders to develop a plan. The ZWP addresses restructured financing mechanisms that promote sustainability and provide a framework for achieving Zero Waste.  Stakeholder involvement has been and will continue to be a key element of the ZWP. In fact, the Environmental Services Department and WAXIE are excited to be collaborating on developing training and Best Management Practices that will help your business (and your customers) work towards attaining Zero Waste. To be added to ZWP Stakeholder List please contact rahays@sandiego.gov, or to find out more about how your business can implement Zero Waste practices look for upcoming emails and updates from WAXIE.

Check out the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department's Recycling Programs: http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/

2015 Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards

November 15 is America Recycles Day and what better way to celebrate your local San Diego business and organization’s commitment to recycling and the other sustainable practices than to participate in the 2015 Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards. The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department is seeking businesses and organizations located in the City of San Diego to be recognized at the 2015 Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards. If your business or organization is implementing waste reduction reuse, recycling, and recycled product procurement programs that demonstrate success, innovation and exemplary waste reduction practices, then it’s time to apply. Applications will be available online at recyclingworks.com starting November 15 and will be due on February 12, 2015.

RESOURCES:
City of San Diego Environmental Services Department Recycling Programs
Recyclingworks.com – City of San Diego Annual Business Recycling Awards
WAXIE Recycling Solutions

READ MORE:
America Recycles Day – A Day to Think About Recycling
BOMA SD eNewsletter Article: America Recycles Day
How BigBelly Solar Compactors are Improving Waste Diversion at UCSD
Need a Workplace Recycling Program?
Thinking Globally While Composting Locally