Austin: one city’s plan to approach zero waste
December 16, 2011
Austin, Texas is in the process of implementing a comprehensive overhaul of its waste plan to reduce the vast majority of waste that is currently being diverted to landfills. The plan includes a large recycling and composting initiative as well as waste reduction incentives for families and businesses.
Under Austin Resource Recovery’s master plan, the city hopes to have 95 percent of all its waste diverted away from landfills by 2040.
“It’s a different way of looking at our waste streams—it’s material that should have a second life and not be thrown away, because there is added value in it,” said Bob Gedert, director of Austin Resource Recovery.
The Austin zero waste plan has set waste diversion goals every five years, beginning with 35 percent diversion in 2010, 50 percent diversion in 2015 and ultimately 95 percent diversion in 2040. To achieve these zero-waste goals, the city is adding recycling and reuse centers and new composting carts for residents will become available in 2015. Composting carts will be used for food scraps and other organic materials
Austin was the first city in the country to implement a major curbside recycling program in the late 1980s. They stayed ahead of the curve by passing an ordinance that required businesses to recycle, but the city overlooked several important concepts, including food-scraps processing. This is now being addressed in the new plans.
Public education is critical in this effort. Convincing residents to reduce their waste will require proactive education efforts, said Robin Schneider, director of Texas Campaign for the Environment. “You need to make it as convenient and painless for folks and make the case as to why it is important,” Schneider said. “Most people want to do their part.”
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- 95% of Trash Recycled in 2040 – Austin, Texas | GardenWorms.com Blog - Worm Composting Tips and Ideas - [...] via: Harvestpower.com [...]
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