Increasing Diversion Without a Zero Waste Plan/Resolution Ana Carvalho Environmental Specialist 2011 GRRN National Zero Waste Action Conference – Learn Globally; Act Locally San Diego

Working to change the “Out of Sight Out of Mind” Paradigm …

…To the “Throwing Away… There is No Away” Paradigm

Recognizing Obstacles Lack of Knowledge

Working with all segments to change the “flow” -Local, state & federal governments -Grassroots groups -Businesses -Local residents -Educational, businesses and religious associations

Showing the Financial Gains FY ,000 ton s $4,226 milhões

Identifying the Difficulties Problems/Solutions Solutions  Proper recycling containers (well marked, size, adequate volume)  Split bins  Education/Outreach flyers, posters, signs, newsletters, events  Lease agreement language  Fines Problems  Poor participation/lack of info  Lack of convenience  Lack of space  Recyclables in the trash/not recognizing recyclables  Improper use of recycling container  Not adequate volume capacity

Creating Recycling Programs  Mandatory Recycling Ordinance (CRO)  Food Waste Recycling Program  Public Space Recycling  Environmental Preferable Purchasing Program (EP 3 )  Construction & Demolition Debris Deposit Ordinance  City Facilities Ban on Styrofoam and Disposable Water Bottles

Split Bins Thinking Outside the Box

Exploring Possibilities Compostables Test - Results Minimal Biodegradation - 56% of products Week 0 Week 10 Partial Biodegradation - 7% of products Complete Biodegradation - 37% of products Week 0 Week 10 Week 0 Week 10

Educating Seeing & Promoting the Results Before After

Educating Seeing and Promoting the Results NO BeforeAfter

Recognizing/Promoting Yearly Business Recycling Awards Recycler of The Month Awards

The Miramar Greenery Results Miramar Landfill CY10 Saved ~ 52 days of landfill space

Results 2 Years After Ordinances 1997 – 2007 City’s Waste Diversion 1997 = 49% 2007 = 60% 1.1% diversion/year ~1.7 million tons City’s Waste Diversion 2007 = 60% 2009 = 66% 3.8% diversion/year ~2.6 million to ns 10 Years Before Ordinances 49% Economy

Overall saving 864 days of landfill space Without major distances to travel or exporting waste Without ZeroWaste talk Results

Same Basic Programs 11% diversion difference Formal ZeroWaste resolution/plan/goal allows for more political focus Conclusion

In 2010 San Diego decreased the gap Will achieve higher diversion with expansion of commercial food waste in 2011 Next…

Thanks! Ana Carvalho Environmental Specialist GRRN National Zero Waste Action Conference – Learn Globally; Act Locally San Diego