Friday, August 6, 2010
Good morning,
We have talked about composting in this publication before.
We have also talked frequently about recycling, and about
the importance of reducing landfill waste, but how far do
we have to go before it really makes an impact? How about
all the way?
San Francisco, already considered one of the most effective
recycling cities in the country, has enacted new recycling
and mandatory composting rules to improve their already im-
pressive 72 percent diversion of waste from landfills. This
action is part of a plan to get to zero landfill waste by
2020!
Please scroll down for more on this story from an article on
ecofootprintsolutions.com
Thanks for reading,
Your Living Green editor
Email the Editor
***
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***
It's the tale of two cities in an eco-friendly competition
of sorts.
In addition to San Francisco, San Jose is aggressively going
for zero waste. San Jose recycles more waste than any large
city in the nation. According to a published memorandum to
the SJ Transportation and Environment Dept dated 11-24-08,
San Jose currently diverts 62 percent of its waste from
landfills. They have a goal of 75 percent by 2013 and 100
percent by 2022 according to the city's Zero Waste Strategic
Plan.
Both cities are performing at a level far superior to much
of the nation. For comparison, according to the EPA 2007
msw fact sheet, the nation as a whole, in 2007 recovered
only 33.4 percent through recycling or composting.
San Francisco's new ordinances may seem aggressive, but
there is a moratorium on levying the fines until 2011. For
now, notes will be left when violations occur with follow-
up when needed on repeat offenses. The intent is to change
behavior, until it becomes part of the norm. But they are
serious. They are talking about waste management leaving
a note if they found you threw orange peels or coffee
grounds in the landfill waste bin instead of the green
waste bin!
Back in July 2008, when Mayor Gavin Newsom, first proposed
the changes, he noted that San Francisco had doubled its
recycling rate from 1996 to 2008, but acknowledged it will
take time to win over hearts and minds.