Austin's Future: Zero Waste

Take the Challenge! Fill out the Challenge Form Online Take the Challenge! Download the Challenge Form [Word Document]

Planning is underway for Austin's Zero Waste future. But there is much to be done right now to reduce waste where we live, work and play. Inspired by public radio's Marketplace Money, and “Trash Challenge”, we are introducing the Zero Waste Challenge.

Challenge yourself, your family, your school, your business, your church, or neighborhood. See what you can do to make a difference! Read the April 18, 2008 Press Release The deadline for the Zero Waste Challenge is extended through Labor Day!

Learn more: Waste Reduction Tips, Curbside Recycling Program, Business Waste Management, Backyard Composting and more, at www.austinrecycles.com.

Austin's Zero Waste Plan In mid-April, Draft Recommendations for Austin Zero Waste Policies and Programs were presented by Gary Liss & Associates.

Download DRAFT Zero Waste Plan Recommendations [Word Document]
The public is encouraged to view and comment on these recommendations.

The recommendations address both upstream and downstream policy and program options; green business, green buildings, and jobs; as well as regional coordination.

Austin's Zero Waste Plan will take into consideration Austin's current and planned public and private solid waste infrastructure, as well as our city's Climate Protection Program. Recommendations developed through this process are integral to achieve the U.N. Urban Environmental Accord's goal to reduce by 20% the per capita solid waste disposal to landfills by 2012 and zero waste by 2040.

To help ensure success and a sustainability, the zero waste plan will include the following components:

• Expanded and improved local and regional recycling, and composting
• New rules and incentives to reduce waste disposal
• Preserved land for sustainable development and green industry infrastructure
• Advocacy for manufacturer responsibility for product waste; and bans on problem materials
• Education and advocacy for a zero waste sustainability agenda
• Public meetings to facilitate community involvement.

Zero Waste News and Resources

• The Solid Waste Advisory Committee of the Capital Area Council of Governments Offers Letter of Support for Austin Zero Waste (May 14, 2008)

• The Travis County Commissioners Court Offers Letter of Support for Austin Zero Waste (May 13, 2008)

• Austin Mayor Signs U.N. Environmental Accord (CityofAustin.org, June 4, 2005)

City Resolutions and Ordinances

Information about the goals and planning efforts by the City of Austin and the department of Solid Waste Services can be found in resolutions and ordinances related to solid waste.

More Zero Waste Resources can be found at Gary's Web site.

Austin's Green District

At public meetings held in February 2008, citizens were introduced to Austin's Green District, a unique concept to join business, education, and community in efforts to minimize this region's impact on the environment. Learn more about Austin's Green District.

Downloads

Presentation materials from the Zero Waste Meetings we have hosted to date are available for download:

• Presentation to City and State Staff, April 15, 2008
• Presentation, Public Meeting, March 18, 2008
• Presentation, Public Meeting, February 12, 2008
• Survey, February 12, 2008 [MS-Word doc]
• Presentation, Solid Waste Advisory Commission, January 9, 2008

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the documents. Free download.

Contact

For more information about Austin's Zero Waste plan, contact Melissa Martinez at (512) 974-1973.