The largest sources of human-generated methane, a potent greenhouse gas, comes from improperly managed landfills. Thus, waste reduction and recycling activities reduce the potential to generate methane at landfills, as well as reducing pollutants generated from transporting waste to disposal sites. Waste reduction and recycling activities also conserve natural resources.
Examples and resources related to this topic are displayed below the best practice goals.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Goals
Enhance existing waste reduction and recycling activities at agency buildings and in the community.
Implement source reduction, recycling and resource recovery programs for waste organic material. Produce compost, mulch, energy and fuels from organic waste stream.
Reduce office and commercial waste and increase recycling.
Source reduction, recycling and resource recovery programs for construction and demolition material.
Decrease carbon footprint of jurisdiction’s waste and recycling collection system.
This article offers resources to identify funding sources, as well as suggestions on key issues to consider when evaluating the cost of a project.Read more »
Waste reduction and recycling includes a wide range of strategies and actions. Here are some key resources that can help you explore the range of opportunities and determine what fits well for your city or county.Read more »
While residential recycling has become mainstream, the bigger challenge ahead for local governments is to increase recycling by retail, service, office and industrial businesses. Each year in California, more than 42 million tons of waste -- enough to fill garbage trucks placed bumper to bumper stretching 1.25 times around the earth -- is hauled to landfills. Nearly 60 percent of this paper, cardboard, plastic, food and construction waste is generated by commercial, industrial and institutional sources, according to the California Integrated Waste Management Board.Read more »
Cities and counties are leading by example and undertaking a range of activities to address climate change in this best practice area. These case stories demonstrate the depth and richness of local agency activities and can serve as examples that other agencies can adapt to meet their communities' unique circumstances.Read more »
Elk Grove City Council recently passed a new Ordinance and an accompanying Resolution that institutes changes and new programs in Title 30, Solid Waste Management, of the Elk Grove Municipal Code. Title 30 includes two new recycling programs:
Business and Multi-Family Recycling, and
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.
RSS Feeds