WGP Credit 1: MSW Source Reduction Programs (1-3 points)
Reciprocal
Intent:
Encourage reduced waste generation to minimize resource consumption throughout society, and to avoid human health and environmental impact from toxicity resulting from the manufacturing of goods.
Local Government and Industry Requirements:
Implement a waste prevention program for MSW, including, as appropriate, C&D waste .
SMMP Performance Path:
Report changes in per capita disposal due to source reduction programs outlined in the SMMP Credit 1 Sustainable Materials Management Policy and briefly describe the programs used to achieve this result.
SMMP Prescriptive Path:
Tier 1: (1 point)
● Develop, support and promote at least 2 of the following—or equivalent—waste reduction programs in the Local Government’s jurisdiction or Company’s service area.
Tier 2: (1 point)
● Develop, support and promote at least 4 of the following—or equivalent—waste reduction programs in the Local Government’s jurisdiction or Company’s service area.
Tier 3: (1 point)
● Develop, support and promote at least 6 of the following—or equivalent—waste reduction programs in the Local Government’s jurisdiction or Company’s service area.
Examples of Waste Reduction Programs
● Rate structure modifications (Pay-as-you-throw programs in the residential sector and/or fee adjustments to nonresidential sector rates)
● Advanced disposal fees on single use, disposable, and non-durable goods
● Food waste reduction: (e.g., promoting reduced portions of food for customers)
● Material opt-out options (i.e. phone books, news publications, etc.)
● Local Government-sponsored book drives for community re-circulation
● Extended Producer Responsibility and Stewardship program targeting litter, single-use products, universal waste, or wasted goods (e.g., take it back programs for universal wastes)
● Reduce transport packaging program (e.g., reusable boxes)
● Waste prevention at venues and events (e.g., avoiding single use cups, plates and utensils)
● Junk mail reduction program (removing customers from junk mail lists)
● Material leasing programs (e.g., returnable electronics)
● Awards and recognition program (e.g., trash cutters award)
● Environmentally preferable purchasing (e.g., avoiding wasteful purchases or ensuring recycled content)
● Xeriscaping program (e.g., rebate for replacing grass lawns with organic gardens)
● Discounts on reusable product usage (e.g., 15 cents off a coffee for using a reusable mug or a per bag discount for bringing your own reusable bag)
● Buy locally strategies for food and other goods
● Other suggested by Local Government
Potential Strategies
● Disposal bans on plastic single use products
● Business waste prevention programs
● Smart shopping campaigns for residents and businesses
● Purchasing co-ops for residents and businesses
● Encourage LEED or equivalent construction standards with builders and developers
● Code amendments to reflect source reduction practices
● Rate structure modifications
● Local government procurement programs and local tax incentives
● Encourage local community gardens through zoning code revisions
● Encourage residential and nonresidential sector organics waste prevention program
