City of Austin takes on Zero Waste

The City of Austin has announced its plan to become a complete zero-waste city by 2040. Gary Liss of Gary Liss & Associates, was hired by the city to write a zero-waste plan. +

Zero-waste plans have an encompassing view of trash reduction, focusing less on recycling and more on prevention of waste production. The plan emphasizes the need to “Reduce and Reuse first, and then Recycle”. Three main waste streams are targeted: construction and demolition (which contributes to 1/3 of all landfill waste), organics, and traditional recyclables. The plan emphasizes the economic and job growth opportunities of a zero-waste plan.

A series of public and private meetings will be held in February and March to brainstorm ideas on how to reach zero-waste and to hear the public’s opinion on the topic. For more information about future hearing dates visit www.zerowastenetwork.org/events.

The Zero Waste Network is leading and effort to develop an implementation project as part of EPA’s Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. This project will ensure that the Austin Zero Waste plan is implemented in an effective manner. If you are interested in participating please contact us at 512/904-2281.