Achieving zero waste by 2022 (Zero Waste Resolution)
San Jose, CA
Zero waste infographic by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
How you can benefit
The resolution creates quality, local jobs with competitive wages. It can also save the city money because when their local landfill gets full and closes, San Jose will have to pay more to haul waste farther away.
Why it's a leading policy
The resolution resulted in many partnerships. The City partnered with:
- Lawrence National Laboratory to build the largest facility in the world to turn food scraps, yard waste and other compostable materials into clean energy in 2013.
- San Jose Conservation Corps to prepare disadvantaged youth for careers in sustainability.
Goal
To create zero waste by 2022.
Who can take action
All businesses, residents, and city staff.
Budget to coordinate the policy
The San Jose Zero Waste Strategic Plan and study to measure waste (Waste Characterization Study) cost $500,000 in consultant services.
Contact
Jo Zientek, Deputy Director, Integrated Waste Management, San Jose, (408) 535-8557, jo.zientek@sanjoseca.gov
Last updated
August 14, 2015