Some cities have developed master plans to try to get to zero waste. They know it cannot be done, or can it? Even if they are unsuccessful, it is better for your health and the environment to recycle 70% of your garbage, instead of 45%.
http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/pubworks/sw-workgroup/SWWG-Rpt-Nov2012.pdf
Carroll County established a workgroup to examine and recommend methods of significantly reducing the waste stream by 2030. It reveals methods of motivating citizens to recycle and compost waste, and how to accomplish full-scale and profitable reclaiming of recyclable materials from the municipal waste stream.
http://www.no-burn.org/downloads/On%20the%20Road%20to%20Zero%20Waste.pdf
GAIA emphasizes that cost estimates for incineration and dumping do not include the human and environmental costs. This is a comprehensive document that includes 9 case studies of communities which proactively work towards a zero waste strategy of waste management. In Gipuzkoa, Spain, they have reduced the amount of waste going to the landfills by 80%. , GAIA, Cecilia Allen, et. al, June 2012.
As a follow-up to the February study, this report provides detailed analysis of organics recycling. It lists recommendations and schematics for instituting a financially and logistically feasible facility that reduces landfill disposal by 50%. It can be done! HDR Engineering, Inc., July 2010.
http://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/PW/Waste/Documents/AC_Report_Feb_2010_2.pdf
After precisely determining the composition of waste in Alachua County, the study provides concrete solutions to increasing waste diversion through recycling. It also describes solutions to increasing recycling program participation. Townsend, et al, February 2010.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=44660
This Florida Energy Bill (2008) requires municipalities to reduce landfill disposal of waste by 75%. It encourages alternative Energy and “green” industry technologies, in addition to traditional recycling methods. This bill has prompted important studies that can be applied to Stafford County’s situation.
http://www.energyjustice.net/files/incineration/incineration.pdf
“Pyrolysis” is just a fancy name for incineration. It is also a “failed technology” that has failed repeatedly. Discover how zero waste technology is absolutely achievable (slides 68-81). Energy Justice Network PowerPoint Presentation, October 2013
The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. It exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It’ll teach you something, it’ll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the Stuff in your life forever.
Start at 17:00 to see an explanation of why dumping and incineration is bad, or start at the beginning to get educated about the whole stream of production. Annie Leonard & Jonah Sachs, December 2007.
http://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-stuff/
As a follow-up to the February study, this report provides detailed analysis of organics recycling. It lists recommendations and schematics for instituting a financially and logistically feasible facility that reduces landfill disposal by 50%. It can be done!
After precisely determining the composition of waste in Alachua County, the study provides concrete solutions to increasing waste diversion through recycling. It also describes solutions to increasing recycling program participation.