We LOVE Zero Waste! February's Zero Waste Business Newsletter
The Trump administration’s tariffs on steel, aluminum, and Chinese imports have disrupted critical mineral supplies necessary for renewable energy and technological infrastructure, highlighting the urgency for a domestic circular economy. With demand for rare minerals expected to nearly double by 2060, policymakers are exploring solutions such as the Americas Act.
Coca-Cola, the world’s largest plastic polluter, has faced ongoing challenges in meeting its sustainability goals regardless of such obstacles. For instance, the company quietly dropped its pledge to use at least 25% reusable packaging late last year.
Restaurants generate between 22 billion to 33 billion pounds of food waste annually. This zero-waste initiative is just one effort the RPM Restaurants group, partnered with WasteNot composting, is making to reduce its carbon footprint — because what happens in the kitchen is really just the start.
The Phoenix Open’s raucous 16th hole may not seem like a hub for sustainability, but thanks to Waste Management’s efforts, the tournament has been a certified zero-waste event for 12 years. With 4,800 recycling and compost bins, reusable materials, and innovative waste strategies, WM has turned the event into a testing ground for sustainable practices that are now influencing other major sports leagues.
The organics recycling industry is navigating a year of policy shifts, with federal debates on the farm bill and tax incentives shaping investment opportunities. While funding for food waste solutions has declined since its 2022 peak, anaerobic digesters and composting operations continue to expand, particularly in California under SB 1383 mandates. Industry leaders remain optimistic about bipartisan support for food waste reduction, though securing infrastructure funding remains a key challenge.
Washington, DC’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has launched a new initiative to expand food waste composting by installing 30 Food Waste Smart Bins across the city. These bins offer residents 24/7 access to convenient drop-off locations for food scraps, supporting the District’s goal of diverting 80% of waste from disposal. Designed to be rodent-proof and equipped with sensors to optimize collection schedules, the bins will enhance efficiency while addressing concerns about pest control. Community input played a key role in selecting bin locations, ensuring accessibility, particularly for residents in multi-family properties.
The Smart Bin program builds on DPW’s existing Compost DC initiatives, which include staffed Food Waste Drop-Off sites at farmers markets and a curbside compost collection service for 9,000 single-family households. Mayor Bowser’s FY25 budget allocates $3 million to maintain the curbside program, with plans for future expansion. All collected food and yard waste is processed into compost, supporting local farmers, landscapers, and gardeners while contributing to DC’s circular economy.
Residents can find Smart Bin locations and composting guidelines at www.zerowaste.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff.
Our CEO recently spoke with Carbon Neutral Copy, a corporate sustainability platform helping professionals identify key business benefits through sustainability initiatives.
She spoke about how even in the 2nd Trump era and with his threats of gutting government agencies, like the EPA, businesses should continue to meet and exceed their current sustainability goals year-over-year.
Zero Waste Strategies was recently contracted to sort, weigh, and track over 9,000 lbs. of materials across 40 categories in just 5 days! It was a tall order, but our team really came through for the City of Springfield, MO!
The data analytics report will help identify areas for stronger efficiencies and develop future residential and business waste diversion programs that enhance current recycling systems or launch new ones!
What's in your waste? You'll never know until you get down to the nitty-gritty of a business waste audit.
That's where we come in! If your company or municipality is interested in our waste auditing services, please contact us!
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Zero Waste Strategies was founded in 2013 by Stacy Savage, AKA “The Texas Trash Talker”. ZWS is a sustainability consulting firm specializing in Zero Waste business protocols to support the newly emerging Circular Economy. ZWS works with leaders in the business, government, institutional, and nonprofit sectors who are serious about using waste reduction to drive increased revenue, deeper customer loyalty, employee empowerment, and a green marketing edge.
ZWS is an S-Corp based in Austin, TX. The company’s client list includes Dell, AT&T, Apple, Kohler, Nestle Purina, Wayfair, Misfits Market, Boston University, and the City of Austin, among many others. The company is a member in good standing with the US Green Building Council (USGBC), State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR), the Austin Green Business Leaders Program, and the Green Business Bureau.
ZWS is certified to administer the standards of the TRUE Zero Waste Facility Certification Program.
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Tim Henry
Great read! Thanks for sharing