|| Innovation || refers to practices or actions not necessarily outlined in the 4 core sub-standards (SMMP, WGP, Collection, and PCPD), but demonstrate exemplary performance within solid waste policy, generation, collection, and/or recovery processing and disposal. This supplemental sub-standard serves to acknowledge extraordinary investment, development, and/or implementation of innovative mechanisms related to solid waste management.

Points in the Innovation section are like “extra credit” points on an exam. They do count toward the final score of the certification but are not included as part of the core 100-point denominator of the certification scale.

Up to 10 credits will be given for innovative approaches to waste management including:

1. Exemplary performance of at least 1 performance increment compared with the credit Requirements.
   1. E.g. if the first tier is a 10 percent improvement and a second tier is 20 percent improvement, innovation will be given for 30+ percent improvement
2. “Exploration Credits” proposed by SWEEP
3. Previously approved Innovation Credits from other certified entities.
4. Project specific Innovation proposed by entities seeking SWEEP certification

 Examples of Innovative Approaches

Sustainable Materials Management Policy

• Organizations share innovative, open-source advancements for the greater good of the industry and environmental enhancement

Waste Generation Prevention

• Monitoring, development, investment, and advancement toward innovative processes and technology
  • Investment in research
  • Implementation of pilot studies

 Post Collection Recovery and Post Collection Disposal

• Innovative steps or actions that a facility invests in to improve the recovery of materials
• Monitoring, development, investment, and advancement toward innovative processes and technology
  • Investment in research
  • Implementation of pilot projects
• Implementation of carbon capture technologies