A Zero Waste California by Jeff Morin , Global Disposal Reduction Services
Zero Waste , it sounds impossible , right ? ZERO Waste ? In our world , it ’ s easy to put recycling on the backburner . How could we make it a priority ? Here ’ s a little bit more on the discussion and how it can relate to your lifestyle . vavv
WHAT DOES ZERO WASTE MEAN ?
The Planning Group of the Zero Waste International Alliance adopted the following definition :
“ Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials , conserve and recover all resources , and not burn or bury them .”
As individuals , the process starts with what we purchase and how we use these materials . For a property manager or a board member , we need to look at it as an end-user . Waste is inevitable at every property , so what ’ s the solution ? REMOVAL !
WHERE TO BEGIN
As a property manager or board member , there is only so much that can be done when it comes to influencing tenants and owners to divert from the landfill . The two best places to start are at the crossroads of EDUCATION and CONVENIENCE . If your tenants and building owners are educated and recycling is convenient for them , the desired response will develop .
EDUCATION IS KEY
Education of proper recycling techniques is vital for success . It ’ s estimated that over 70 % of what we use is recyclable . Did you know that the cost to haul recycling is typically less expensive than the cost to haul landfill waste ? YES , there is a financial incentive for you to recycle !
Whether it ’ s through signage , classes or community participation , it ’ s important that residents and owners become educated on what can be recycled . Keep your board members up to date to answer any and all questions . Also , keep it simple ; use signs with photos on what can be recycled to get the point across .
MAKE IT CONVENIENT
The location and accessibility of your diversion resources have a huge impact on whether residents choose to utilize it . Commingled recycling containers need to be right next to the trash container . Also , make disposing of other items just as simple . Consider having a company host a removal event at your community for items like electronic waste , unwanted clothing , document shredding and universal waste ( light bulb , batteries , cellphones ). These programs are surprisingly affordable ! 8 | The HOA Board Quarterly | Issue # 18 | Summer 2017
YOU DON ’ T HAVE TO DO IT ALL ON YOUR OWN
Consider having a waste evaluation done on your property . Typically , it ’ s free , and many times you save money by implementing these ideas . I cannot express enough how common it is to find avenues to reduce the overall expense through waste stream efficiency and increased recycling .
ON THE HORIZON
The overall goal of zero waste is to make a positive environmental impact by relieving the strain on our landfills . Looking toward the future as recycling continues to gain ground , the issue of food waste is on the horizon . The majority of the waste we are disposing is made up of paper and food waste . San Diego has made great strides on introducing composting to local businesses and most major waste haulers now have composting routes . They are primarily targeting restaurants and businesses , which produce high volumes of food waste , but residential composting programs may be in our near future .
Composting at home is also a way to reduce the amount of food waste going into the landfill . This task may not seem possible at a commercial or residential level , but it is ! Countries like Sweden do not have landfills because of advanced movements to reduce waste . Apartment complexes in southern Sweden have begun to create community compost bins and gardens where this compost can be used . Programs like these are paving the way to show that these goals are within reach .
GETTING THERE
The goals to a Zero Waste California are being set now . Believe it or not , over 25 cities in California have already adopted plans . You may live in one and not even know it ! Making small steps in the right direction now , will ease the process of keeping up with regulations later . Give your residents every opportunity to become educated recyclers with convenient opportunities to reduce and divert waste , and you should be well on your way to Zero Waste !
Contributed by : Jeff Morin is the Vice President for Global Disposal Reduction Services , a local environmental consulting firm specializing in cost savings and waste diversion . In his 8 years with Global Disposal , Jeff has created improved community waste and recycling programs at over 150 HOA ’ s in Southern California .
Call us for a free waste evaluation ! 858.848.9278 Email ! jmorin @ globaldisposal . com Log On ! www . GlobalDisposal . com