Model Recycling Program Toolkit
EPA's Model Recycling Program Toolkit is an interactive repository of EPA and other materials. Toolkit materials can help states, territories, local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, companies, and public private partnerships effectively design and implement programs related to recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, reuse, repair and waste reduction.
Find content by selecting one or more responses to each of the questions. Then click "Show Results."
| Resource Name | URL | Description | Goals | Materials | Focus | Targeting | Resources | Benefits | More Info | Liked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Guide to Conducting and Analyzing a Food Waste Assessment (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-08/documents/r5_fd_wste_guidebk_020615.pdf | This EPA guide outlines the steps needed to assess food waste in facilities and institutions. Reducing food waste can help organizations reduce their costs and their greenhouse gas emissions. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Composting, Reducing, Reusing | Best Practices, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | ||||
| Approaches to Encourage Private Sector and Organizations to Buy Recycled Content Products | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#27 | Products made of recycled content make the recycling system viable. These non-profit organizations and governments have created mechanisms to purchase recycled content at reduced costs. | Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Assessments of Market Development Opportunities | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#80 | Assess the state of existing local and regional markets for materials across the waste stream; study service voids for missed opportunities to recover commodities. Shape strategic action plans around the findings. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires, Yard trimmings | Curbside Collection, Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Market Development, Reports | Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Avoid the Spark. Be Battery Safety Smart | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#76 | Call2Recycle, a consumer battery stewardship and recycling program, developed the Avoid the Spark campaign to increase awareness around the safe handling and disposal of batteries to reduce incidence of fires. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries | Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Basic Information on How and Why to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle | https://www.epa.gov/recycle | Learn how reducing, reusing, and recycling can help you, your community, and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources on this EPA website. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Electronics, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Yard trimmings | Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Schools | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers, Reports, Training Resources, Webinars | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Basic Information on How to Manage Food More Sustainably | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food | EPA information on what businesses, organizations, and individuals can do to manage food more sustainably. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food | Anaerobic Digestion, Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Reports | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Be a Battery Hero | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#76 | Washington, Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, MN developed the Be a Battery Hero site provides social graphics, videos, multilingual newsletter articles and informational PDFs on keeping batteries out of trash and recycling bins. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries | Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Be Alert! Divert Hidden Batteries Toolkit | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#76 | Larimer County, CO developed the Be Alert! Divert Hidden Batteries Toolkit which includes posters, fact sheets, social media posts and images keeping batteries out of trash and household recycling bins. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries | Community Drop-Off Sites, Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Benefits of Composting and How to Compost at Home | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home | EPA information on "Composting Basics", "Benefits of Composting", and "How to Compost at Home". | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Food, Paper/paperboard, Yard trimmings | Composting | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Biogas Toolkit - Informing Anaerobic Digestion | https://www.epa.gov/agstar/biogas-toolkit | EPA's Biogas Toolkit is a centralized knowledge hub for biogas project stakeholders. The toolkit is designed to allow stakeholders to search and browse for information and resources that meet their specific project needs. The toolkit includes information and resources compiled from across several EPA programs, including AgSTAR, the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP), and the Global Methane Initiative (GMI). | Address Climate Change, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Community Self-Assessment, Definitions, Models, Calculators, Databases, Program Impact Measurement, Reports | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Buy Reused and Recycled: Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program | https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program | EPA designated products that are or can be made with recovered materials, and recommended practices for buying these products. Buying products made with recovered materials ensures that the materials collected in recycling programs will be used again in the manufacture of new products. Once a product is designated, procuring agencies are required to purchase it with the highest recovered material content level practicable. | Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Glass, Industrial Secondary Materials, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires, Yard trimmings | Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Definitions, Market Development | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Case Studies on Reducing Food Loss and Waste in North America | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/tools-preventing-and-diverting-wasted-food#options | Report including examples of strategies to reduce food waste and divert food waste from landfills. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Composting | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Underserved Communities, Urban | Case Studies, Reports | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Case Study on Haskell Indian Nations University's Composting Program and Food Waste Prevention (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/documents/twj_11_final_23oct2020_508.pdf | EPA's Tribal Waste Journal on Sustainable Materials Management (Sept 2020) features a case study on composting and food recovery at the Haskell Indian Nations University. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food | Composting | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools, Tribal, Underserved Communities | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Case Study on Increasing Student Recycling at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Campus (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/recyclingtoolkit.pdf | Case study on how the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) in Cloquet, Minnesota realized the benefits of a new recycling program. Using Community-Based Social Marketing tools to implement a pilot recycling program, the college saw a 41% decrease in the amount of recyclables found in the college's garbage after implementing the pilot project. This case study summarizes how FDLTCC used social marketing to increase student recycling on campus. It includes project results and lessons learned. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic | Recycling | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools, Tribal, Underserved Communities | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers, Program Impact Measurement, Training Resources | Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Communities and Organizations Who Cut their Waste Stream in Half (pdf) | https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/100015B5.PDF?Dockey=100015B5.PDF | Examples of successful and replicable waste reduction programs in communities, businesses, and other organizations. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Definitions, Educational Materials for Consumers, Market Development, Program Impact Measurement, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Reports | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Community Toolkit: Adding Food Waste to a Yard Trimming Compost Facility | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/types-composting-and-understanding-process | The Center for EcoTechnology and BioCycle issued this guide to help decision makers contemplating composting food waste. Includes considerations that will help communities determine if food waste is appropriate for existing leaf and yard trimmings facilities. Include tips how to include food waste into these facilities. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Composting | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | |||
| Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/forms/composting-food-scraps-your-community-social-marketing-toolkit | This is a resource for states, territories, local governments, tribes, and nongovernmental organizations who wish to create a composting campaign in their communities. It is designed to assist agencies that offer curbside collection or drop-off locations for residential food scraps. The toolkit includes a planning process that uses social marketing principles to ensure communities are tailoring the campaign to their individual needs. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Community Self-Assessment, Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Contracting Best Practices to Advance Zero Waste | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/contracting-best-practices-transforming-waste-streams-communities | Local government strategies and best practices for contracting related to green purchasing, increasing waste diversion, stimulating recycling markets and more. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Food, Paper/paperboard, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Contracts and Franchise Agreements for Waste Haulers | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/contracts-and-franchise-agreements-waste-haulers-transforming-waste-streams | This subsection of Transforming Waste Streams Tool includes examples and best practices related to provisions that local governments can incorporate into their contract or franchise agreements with waste haulers (service providers). | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Sample Contracts with Haulers or Collectors | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Do Not Bag Recyclables Graphics and Web Resources | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#76-vt | Vermont developed a "Do Not Bag Your Recyclables" graphics and web resources to educate consumers how to recycle plastic bags and to keep them out of their curbside bins. | Reduce Contamination | Plastic bags | Curbside Collection, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Downstream Management of Organic Waste in the United States: Strategies for Methane Mitigation (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-01/organic_waste_management_january2022.pdf | Study of the climate benefits of diverting organic waste away from landfills and potential policies and strategies for diversion. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Paper/paperboard, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Reports | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Educational Materials & Guides for Washington, DC's Zero Waste Program | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#dc | Info page for DC's Zero Waste Program, including information on waste management for consumers and businesses, policies, and periodic reports. | Address Climate Change, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Schools, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Engaging Denver Restaurants for Increased Food Donation Activity - Stakeholder Engagement and Initial Findings | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states#8 | This Center for EcoTechnology report outlines current successes and opportunities to further food redistribution activities from the restaurant sector and provides recommended next steps to foster action. Interviews with over 60 restaurants, caterers, and food rescue organizations provided insight into existing successful food donation partnerships and the barriers to further donation program implementation. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Reducing | Businesses and Industry | Best Practices, Case Studies | |||
| Environmentally Friendly Disassembly and Recovery of Mobile Homes | https://www.epa.gov/smm/toolkit-about-abandoned-mobile-homes | Tools to help people deconstruct abandoned mobile homes in a way that salvages any reusable materials. Abandoned structures create safety, economic, and environmental concerns for communities, this resource helps communities deal with those concerns. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Construction & Demolition (C&D) | Recycling, Reusing | Rural, Tribal, Underserved Communities | Best Practices, Case Studies, Webinars | |||
| EPA Webinar Recordings for Tribal Lands | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/webinar-recordings | A depository for many recent EPA webinars covering a variety of topics of interest to tribes. The topics include community outreach and education, planning tools, sustainable materials management, environmental justice, disaster preparedness, COVID-19 resources, and tribal coordination / rulemakings. | Tribal | Webinars | ||||||
| EPA's EnviroAtlas Educational Materials | https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-educational-materials | EPA has a variety of lesson plans and resources for K-12 teachers and students using our EnviroAtlas tool. EnviroAtlas provides geospatial data, easy-to-use tools and other resources related to ecosystem services, their stressors and human health. | Address Climate Change | Schools | Educational Materials for Consumers, Models, Calculators, Databases, Training Resources | Address Climate Change , Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits | ||||
| EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program | https://www.epa.gov/rcra/solid-waste-infrastructure-recycling-grant-program | Learn more about these recycling and solid waste infrastructure grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Funding | |||
| Estimating Waste Removal Costs | https://www.epa.gov/smm/metrics-waste-reduction | When monitoring and evaluating a waste reduction program, it is important to establish a consistent set of metrics and procedures for collecting data. This site includes information on tracking your efforts, estimating the quantity and composition of waste generated and avoided waste removal and purchasing costs. | Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Tires, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Definitions, Models, Calculators, Databases, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | |||
| Examples Communities with Centers for Hard to Recycle Materials | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#93 | Communities that developed or contracted with facilities that accept materials that are hard to recycle for reuse, refurbishing and/or recycling. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Industrial Secondary Materials, Light Bulbs, Plastic bags | Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Case Studies | Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities Incentivizing Backyard / Neighborhood Composting | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#36 | Communities that encourage and provide incentives for homes, neighborhoods, schools and businesses to set up a bin for composting food and yard waste. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food, Yard trimmings | Composting | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities that Pre-Screen Materials to Reduce Contamination | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#99 | Communities with facilities or sorting lines to remove and recover reusable, recyclable and compostable materials from source-separated trash. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles | Composting, Recycling | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities with Anaerobic Digestion Facilities | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#95 | Communities that use local or regional anaerobic digestion facilities for processing food waste, Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) and/or sewage sludge. | Address Climate Change, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Reports | Address Climate Change , Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities with Composting Facilities | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#94 | Communities that develop or contract with a local or regional compost processing facilities for yard debris and/or food waste. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities with Drop-Off Centers for Compostables | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#85 | Examples of partnerships with nonprofit agencies and local retailers to accept and/or establish locations in the community for drop-off of compostable items, such as yard debris, nonreusable wood, food waste and pet waste. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities with Ordinances on Recycling Provisions | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#26 | Examples of communities that have ordinances that require recycling bins are distributed to residents or that businesses and institutions have recycling plans and/or space for recycling. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Communities with Recycling and Reuse Directories | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#73 | Examples of searchable local or regional directories that help people and industry know how and where to recycle or to drop off used consumer products for reuse. | Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Electronics, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Tires, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Cost Savings, Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Drop-Off Centers for Recycling Textiles, Electronics, Carpet, Mattresses, Foam Cushions | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#83 | Examples of partnerships with nonprofit agencies, e-Steward recyclers, or B-corporation certified recyclers to accept and/or establish locations in the community for drop-off of recyclable items, including those that contain toxics or are bulky and hard to handle. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Light Bulbs, Metal, Textiles, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Effective Recycling Education Campaigns and Strategies | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#75 | Examples of how to develop a social marketing / behavior change marketing program to find the best means to motivate people to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Yard trimmings | Composting, Recycling, Reducing | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Incentivizing Source Separation | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#30 | Examples of communities that provide discounted rates or frees for separating recyclables or compostables from the trash. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments Expanding Curbside Collection to Include Yard Debris | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#35 | Examples of communities that expanded curbside collection services to include yard debris/green waste. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Yard trimmings | Composting | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments Expanding Curbside Recycling Collection to Include Electronics, Textiles, and Appliances | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#34 | Examples of communities that expanded curb/dockside collection services to include recyclable items that contain toxic materials or are bulky and hard to handle such as electronics, textiles and appliances. | Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Textiles | Curbside Collection, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments Funding and Expanding Recycling Collection of Traditional Recyclables | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#33 | Examples of communities that established curb/dockside recycling collection services for readily recyclable materials. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments Requiring Public Offices and Spaces to Recycle or Compost | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#31 | Examples of governments that are promoting zero waste by providing recycling and composting bins in public buildings and spaces. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments that Expanded Curbside Collection to Include Food Waste | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#37 | Examples of communities that expanded curbside collection services to food waste (and soiled paper). | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers, Reports | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments that Provide "Reuse Closets" for Storing Unwanted Office Supplies for Reuse by Employees or Teachers | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#87 | Communities that encourage storing of unwanted office supplies for re-use by employees or staff and teachers. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Electronics, Paper/paperboard, Textiles | Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Local Governments with Construction and Demolition Diversion Requirements | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#66 | Communities that require C&D recycling/reuse in a C&D or Green Building by ordinance or a building permit. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Construction & Demolition (C&D) | Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Mandatory Source Separation Laws for Construction and Demolition | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#67 | Communities that require contractors to separate recyclable C&D debris from non-recyclable materials and sort the recyclables on site by staff or a service. Alternatively, require the recycled materials be hauled to a facility that sorts C&D materials. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Construction & Demolition (C&D) | Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Materials Exchanges for Facilitating Trades of Reusable Items | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#58 | Examples of online networks to foster business-to-business connections to match unwanted material byproducts or commodities to opportunities for reuse or recycling as feedstock. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Glass, Industrial Secondary Materials, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires | Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Networks of Reuse, Repair, and Refurbishments Business | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#60 | Examples of communities who have developed a network of local businesses to repair, refurbish, market and sell used products. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Textiles | Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Pay As You Throw Laws and Implementation | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#16 | Pay As You Throw is used to incentivize recycling and disincentivize waste disposal. This site contains case studies, implementation guides, and calculators to assist communities in using Pay As You Throw as a policy lever. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Yard trimmings | Recycling, Reducing | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Models, Calculators, Databases | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Promoting Flea Markets, Garage Sales, and Reuse Swaps | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#88 | Examples of communities that promote local flea markets and garage sales for sale of reusable items and swaps for household goods, e.g., clothing, toys, etc. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Textiles | Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Regional Initiatives to Promote Recycling Markets | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#81 | Examples of neighboring small communities collaborating to jointly market recyclable materials to attract buyers and receive more competitive pricing from bulk volumes. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic | Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Market Development | Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Resource Recovery Centers | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#92 | Cities that have supported a central facility at which reuse, recycling and compost processing is co-located with manufacturing and retail businesses. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires, Yard trimmings | Composting, Recycling, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Reuse Centers that Sale Used Goods | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#90 | Communities that developed or contracted with reuse centers that sale of salvaged building materials and used household items. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Textiles | Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Reuse Depots that Donate Items | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#91 | Communities that develop or contract with for Goods Banks that collect reusable items for donation to social services programs, teachers, artists and/or the public. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Textiles | Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Rural Recycling Marketing Cooperatives | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#82 | Examples of rural communities that collaborate with neighboring small communities to jointly market recyclable materials to attract buyers and receive more competitive pricing from bulk volumes. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Recycling | Rural | Best Practices, Case Studies, Market Development | ||||
| Examples of Support for Product and Packaging Redesign & Outreach | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#100 | Communities that support evaluation and redesign of products and packaging to prevent waste; conduct or promote outreach campaigns to local businesses to reduce or eliminate non-reusable packaging, transport containers, and food service ware from their processes and retail stores. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Paper/paperboard, Plastic | Composting, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Examples of Technical Assistance to Private Sector and Private Events for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Composting | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#32 | Promote setting of zero waste goals to owners/operators of private venues, e.g., sports stadiums, hotel conferences. Provide training and technical assistance to event coordinators for implementation of zero waste action plans. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic | Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons) | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Excess Food Opportunities Map | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/excess-food-opportunities-map | The U.S. EPA Excess Food Opportunities Map supports nationwide diversion of excess food from landfills. The interactive map identifies and displays facility-specific information about potential generators and recipients of excess food in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors and also provides estimates of excess food by generator type. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Models, Calculators, Databases | Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Factsheet on How and Why to Compost | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/reducing-impact-wasted-food-feeding-soil-and-composting | One page factsheet from EPA and USDA encouraging consumers on how and why to compost. In Spanish and English. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food, Yard trimmings | Composting | Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Food Donation Guidance for Businesses in Cleveland | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states#5 | The Center for EcoTechnology and the Cleveland Department of Public Health produced a handout on the best practices for food donation. As health inspectors engage with food-permitted businesses that may have foods fit for donation, this trifold can be shared to encourage food safety standards. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Reducing | Businesses and Industry | Best Practices, Case Studies | |||
| Food Waste Separation for Anaerobic Digestion Processing | https://www.epa.gov/anaerobic-digestion/more-anaerobic-digestion-ad-resources | The Center for Ecotechnology developed this document as part of a series aimed at helping commercial food service providers - e.g., restaurants, hotels, corporate cafeterias, and schools - reduce the volume of organic waste disposed by their operations. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food | Anaerobic Digestion | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools | Best Practices, Case Studies, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | |||
| Frequently Asked Questions on Recycling for Households and Individuals | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/frequent-questions-recycling | EPA's answers to some of the most common questions related to recycling, including information about common contaminents in the recycling stream. | Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Curbside Collection, Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| From Field to Bin: The Environmental Impacts of U.S. Food Waste Management Pathways | https://www.epa.gov/land-research/field-bin-environmental-impacts-us-food-waste-management-pathways | This report evaluates the environmental impacts and contributions to a circular economy of eleven common pathways to manage wasted food - from source reduction to composting to landfill. The report presents a new ranking of the wasted food pathways, from most to least environmentally preferable (the EPA's Wasted Food Scale). | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Food | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Definitions, Models, Calculators, Databases, Reports | |||
| Funding Opportunities and EPA Programs Related to the Food System | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/funding-opportunities-and-epa-programs-related-food-system | EPA specific funding opportunities for reducing wasted food. | Address Climate Change, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Composting, Reducing | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Funding | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Grants.gov | https://www.grants.gov/ | Database of federal funding opportunities available to organizations and entities. Search for grants that align with your organization's needs. | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Funding | ||||||
| Greening Tribal Casinos and Restaurants | https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes/greening-tribal-casinos | Tools to help tribal communities implement sustainable solutions in gaming facilities. Site includes solutions related to recycling and reducing food waste in large-scale commercial, recreational, or industrial facilities. | Tribal | Case Studies | ||||||
| Guide for Local Governments to Encourage Home Composting Initiatives | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home | Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Yes! In My Backyard: A Home Composting Guide for Local Governments. Report profiles successful city and county home composting initiatives. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Paper/paperboard, Yard trimmings | Composting | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Guide to Best Management Practices for Community Composting | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/types-composting-and-understanding-process | Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Community Composting Done Right: A Guide to Best Management Practices': Guide for creating and managing community composting centers. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Yard trimmings | Composting | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Guide with Examples of Tribes Creating Educational Messages that Drive Behavior Change | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/tribal-community-based-social-marketing-training-guide | This guide can help communities create effective education and outreach campaigns. The guide includes checklists for when and how to use specific strategies; a recycling toolkit that provides a step-by-step template for applying the Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) process to promote recycling or other sustainable behaviors; and a case study on how the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College increased its recycling rate by 41% using the CBSM process. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Community Self-Assessment, Educational Materials for Consumers, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Training Resources | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | |||
| How Composting Combats the Climate Crisis | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home | Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) Infographic: How Composting Combats the Climate Crisis' Short descriptive infographic. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Paper/paperboard, Yard trimmings | Composting | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| How to Compost at Home | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home | Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) pamphlet with general information on how to compost at home. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Paper/paperboard, Yard trimmings | Composting | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| How to recycle/dispose batteries | https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/recyclingtoolkit/#:~:text=Resource%20Name,Benefits | Montgomery County, MD developed a video and information for their community on how to store, recycle and dispose of different types of batteries. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries | Community Drop-Off Sites, Recycling | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| How to Track Waste and Materials in Portfolio Manager | https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/tools-and-resources/how_track_waste_and_materials_management_portfolio_manager | This PowerPoint presentation covers the basics on how to track waste and materials in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Composting, Recycling, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters | Models, Calculators, Databases, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Training Resources | ||||
| Implementation Guide and Toolkit to Help Communities Reduce Wasteful Household Food Management Practices | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-too-good-waste-implementation-guide-and-toolkit | This EPA Food: Too Good to Waste implementation guide and toolkit aim to help communities reduce wasteful household food management practices. The Implementation Guide is designed to teach local governments and community organizations how to implement a Food: Too Good to Waste campaign, and the toolkit provides behavior change and outreach tools designed to assist individuals and households to implement strategies to reduce wasted food in their homes. The FTGTW tools use community-based social marketing principles to reduce wasted food from households. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Composting, Reducing | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Educational Materials for Consumers, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Training Resources | |||
| Incentives and Policies to Promote Construction and Demolition Recycling and Reuse | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#68 | Communities with a Green Building Policy to provide incentives attractive to developers, e.g., higher development ratios, lower set-backs, or credits for use of materials made from recycled content or for on-site reuse and recycling. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Construction & Demolition (C&D) | Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Instructions on Conducting Waste Assessments | https://www.epa.gov/smm/instructions-conducting-waste-assessments | A waste assessment identifies waste generated at a facility, and purchasing and management practices; examines current waste reduction practices and assesses their effectiveness; and identifies the areas and materials in which waste reduction efforts will be most effective. Records examinations, facility walk-throughs and waste sorts are three common approaches to conducting a waste assessment. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Composting, Recycling, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Schools | Community Self-Assessment, Program Impact Measurement, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | ||||
| Local Government Case Studies on Zero Waste Practices | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/contracts-and-franchise-agreements-waste-haulers-transforming-waste-streams#CaseStudies | These zero waste case studies provide information on local government strategies and the results, advantages, and disadvantages of various municipal zero waste practices. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Anaerobic Digestion, Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Address Climate Change , Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | |||
| Managing and Reducing Wastes: A Guide for Commercial Buildings | https://www.epa.gov/smm/managing-and-reducing-wastes-guide-commercial-buildings | Office buildings, schools, stores, hotels, restaurants and other commercial and institutional buildings generate significant amounts of materials and waste. This EPA site includes tools and resources to help facility managers, building owners, tenants and other stakeholders improve waste management in their buildings, reduce costs and enhance sustainability. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Recycling, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters | Best Practices, Case Studies, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | ||||
| Managing Waste Streams Policy and Program Planning Tool | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool | EPA's Managing and Transforming Waste Streams Tool reflects state and local government policies or programs related to recycling, zero waste, reuse compositng, and more. Users can filter and search based on goals, materials, waste streams, etc. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies, Models, Calculators, Databases | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||||
| Measuring Recycling: A Guide for State and Local Governments (pdf) | https://archive.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/tools/recmeas/web/pdf/guide.pdf | This EPA guide is designed to help state and local agencies measure municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling. It includes instructions, definitions, case studies, tips, forms, and worksheets to help state and local governments calculate an MSW recycling rate. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Composting, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Program Impact Measurement, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Reports | |||
| Municipal Solid Waste Recycling in the United States | https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27978/municipal-solid-waste-recycling-in-the-united-states-analysis-of | This report, produced at the request of Congress, funded by the EPA, and authored by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), reviews available information on MSW recycling programs in municipal, county, state, and tribal governments and provides advice on potential policy options for more effective implementation. The report focuses on publicly accessible data and the policies and systems in place that relate to the collection, sorting, processing, transport, and sale of recyclable materials, especially those that are traditionally processed in MRFs. | Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Reports | Cost Savings, Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Nashville's "Waste Wizard" Tool on Recycling Right | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#76-tn | Nashville's Waste Wizard and Recycle Right website and app includes guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled. They also have on demand webinars on how and why to recycle right. | Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| National Recycling Strategy | https://www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/strategies-building-circular-economy-all | The strategy reflects the actions needed from all sectors to improve the nation's recycling system. | Address Climate Change, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic | Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Reports | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Non-Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Hierarchy | https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-materials-management-non-hazardous-materials-and-waste-management-hierarchy | The hierarchy ranks the various management strategies from most to least environmentally preferred. The hierarchy places emphasis on reducing, reusing, recycling and composting as key to sustainable materials management. These strategies reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Educational Materials for Consumers | Address Climate Change , Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Northeast Anaerobic Digester Accelerator — Food Waste Digestion Insights | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states#1 | The Center for EcoTechnology's Northeast Anaerobic Digester Accelerator (NADA) has developed Food Waste Digestion Insights, an overview document which discusses AD fundamentals and provides examples of service providers — haulers and food waste preprocessing and digester facilities in the Northeast. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Food | Anaerobic Digestion | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools | Best Practices, Case Studies | |||
| Outagamie, WI's TikTok on Proper Disposal and Recycling Right | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#76-wi | Outagamie, Wisconsin's OutTikTok reflects amusing videos to inform consumers on how and why to properly disposal of waste. | Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Cardboard, Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Prepare for a Grant Application | https://www.epa.gov/rcra/prepare-grant-application | This site identifies the actions you can take now if you are interested in applying for an EPA or another federal grant. It includes tips on writing grant applications, recorded trainings, and instructions on registering on Grants.gov and SAM.gov. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Recycling | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Funding | ||||
| Preventing Wasted Food at Home | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/preventing-wasted-food-home | Tips, benefits and other resources in preventing food waste in the home. | Address Climate Change, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Composting, Reducing | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers, Models, Calculators, Databases, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Reports, Training Resources, Webinars | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Preventing Wasted Food in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/forms/preventing-wasted-food-your-community-social-marketing-toolkit | This is a resource for states, territories, local governments, tribes, and nongovernmental organizations who want to start a behavior change campaign to prevent food waste in their communities. The toolkit includes a planning process that uses social marketing principles to ensure communities are tailoring the campaign to their individual needs, and is accompanied by customizable materials. | Address Climate Change, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Reducing | Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| Procurement Process Best Practices Designed to Advance Zero Waste | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/procurement-process-best-practices-transforming-waste-streams-communities | Local governments can use this subsection of Transforming Waste Streams Tool to find innovative strategies and best practices for procuring service providers related to zero waste, mandatory recycling and composting, and more. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | |||
| Quantifying Methane Emissions from Landfilled Food Waste | https://www.epa.gov/land-research/quantifying-methane-emissions-landfilled-food-waste | This report estimates the amount of methane emissions released into the atmosphere from decaying food waste in landfills from 1990 to 2020. Results of the analysis can inform actions to reduce the amount of wasted food being disposed of in landfills and consequently, the methane emitted. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Anaerobic Digestion, Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Community Self-Assessment, Definitions, Educational Materials for Consumers, Models, Calculators, Databases, Program Impact Measurement, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Reports | |||
| Recycled Content (ReCon) Tool | https://www.epa.gov/warm/recycled-content-recon-tool | This EPA tool can help companies and individuals estimate embodied carbon, the climate footprint across the full lifecycle of purchasing and/or manufacturing materials with varying degrees of post-consumer recycled content. Estimates provided by the ReCon Tool are intended to support voluntary reporting initiatives, as well as EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) Program and other Environmentally Preferable Purchasing activities. ReCon considers the life-cycle perspective of products, which means both upstream and downstream impacts from material use are considered to help determine the net benefit to the environment. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost) | Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Urban | Models, Calculators, Databases, Program Impact Measurement | |||
| Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report | https://www.epa.gov/smm/recycling-economic-information-rei-report | This EPA report highlights the number of jobs, wages, and tax revenue that are associated with recycling and reusing materials. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Food, Glass, Industrial Secondary Materials, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Tires, Yard trimmings | Composting, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Reports | Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Recycling Education and Outreach Grants from EPA | https://www.epa.gov/rcra/recycling-education-and-outreach | Learn more about these education and outreach grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Funding | |||
| Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map | https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/recycling-infrastructure-and-market-opportunities-map | EPA's dynamic, web-based map highlights existing recycling infrastructure tool visually presents data estimates from all phases of the recycling process, including generation, collection, sortation, and end use. It conveys locations of 15 different types of recycling and other municipal solid waste infrastructure (material recovery facilities, composting facilities, processors by material). | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Community Self-Assessment, Market Development | |||
| Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Resources for Students and Educators | https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reduce-reuse-recycle-resources-students-and-educators | The EPA website for students and educators includes the Recycle City game, which demonstrates how residents can use less energy and reduce waste while also saving money; Tools to Reduce Waste in Schools; activities for teaching waste prevention to K-8; and more. | Increase Participation | Batteries, Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Schools | Training Resources | |||
| Region 8 Trash Free Waters Tribal Program Handbook | https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/best-management-practices-tools#R8 | A handbook created by the EPA to assist Tribal governments, indigenous communities, and other relevant stakeholders in developing and implementing projects that reduce trash in waterways on tribal lands. The handbook focusses on the western United States (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming), but the information is widely applicable. | Prevent Waste | Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Tires | Reducing | Tribal | Best Practices, Case Studies, Funding, Training Resources | |||
| Requiring Haulers to Report Data on Garbage, Recyclables and Compostables Collected | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#28 | Examples of communities that require haulers to report recycling, composting, and waste data | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Cost Savings, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Resources, Waste and Climate Change | https://www.epa.gov/smm/resources-waste-and-climate-change | Information on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of goods and services, including impacts on climate change, marine litter, and environmental justice. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic | Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Models, Calculators, Databases, Reports | Address Climate Change , Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Safely Disposing of Batteries | https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/recyclingtoolkit/#:~:text=Resource%20Name,Benefits | Alexandria City, VA developed information and sample graphics on safely disposing of batteries and Drop-Off Sites and not disposing of batteries in recycling or trash bins and multilingual outreach materials. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Batteries | Community Drop-Off Sites, Reducing | Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | |||
| School Food Share Toolkit: Steps for Redirecting Consumable Food to those Who Need It | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/washington-school-food-share-program-toolkit | This document outlines the steps and guidelines by which schools can - legally and with federal program support - collect the leftover, edible food in the cafeteria, set it aside in bins for donation in available cooler space, and have it delivered to the local food bank for distribution to its customers. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Reducing | Schools, Tribal, Underserved Communities | Best Practices, Case Studies, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | |||
| Short Reference Guide for Evaluating Progress and Reporting Achievements for Projects Receiving EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grants (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-01/Final%20REO%20Grant%20Reporting%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide_508.pdf | This guide provides Recycling Education and Outreach grant program applicants with information about measuring and reporting success for their projects, should they be awarded a grant under this program. This guide is intended to serve as an overview of the more detailed Grant Evaluation Guide that EPA will provide to grant awardees as a tool for measuring the effectiveness of their grant-funded projects. EPA also will provide grant awardees with additional resources and technical assistance to measure their project's success and share information about its impact with EPA, their community, and communities across the country. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Anaerobic Digestion, Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Community Self-Assessment, Program Impact Measurement, Reports | ||||
| Signmaker Tool for Communities to Create Recycling, Compost and Trash Signs | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-1-50#11 | San Francisco has an easy to use template for communities and venues to make their own signs that specify materials can be recycled or composted. | Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Community Drop-Off Sites, Composting, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Businesses and Industry, Rural, Suburban, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Springfield, Massachusetts' videos on what, how, and why people should recycle. | https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/examples-and-resources-transforming-waste-streams-communities-51-100#springfield | Springfield, MA's materials recovery facility developed five short videos to help residents understand what, how, and why to recycle and to illustrate what happens to the various materials we recycle. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Electronics, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Educational Materials for Consumers | Waste Prevention or Reduction | |||
| Standardized Set of Terms for Residential Recycling | https://www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/standardized-terms-materials-accepted-municipal-recycling-programs | This table lists a standardized set of terms and examples that describe materials that may be accepted by a residential recycling program. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Textiles, Tires, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Definitions | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Strategies for Building and Implementing Sustainable Tribal Waste Management Programs (Factsheet) (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/documents/stategies_fact_sheet_final.pdf | An EPA factsheet that includes information on overcoming barriers in developing and implementing a sustainable waste management program. This factsheet highlights information about technical assistance solutions that help tribes with protecting the environment and human health of their community. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Waste Diversion | Recycling, Reducing | Tribal | Best Practices | ||||
| Success Stories in Reducing Waste | https://www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/success-stories-reducing-waste | A searchable tool that includes national and regional award winners' success stories from EPA's 2018 - 2021 Food Recovery Challenge, WasteWise, Federal Green Challenge, and SMM Electronics Challenge. The success stories include descriptions of the winning organizations' waste management practices, quantitative results (e.g., money saved and tons prevented or diverted), most significant accomplishments, and lessons learned. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Composting, Recycling, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Best Practices, Case Studies | ||||
| Technical Assistance, Training, Data and other Resources for Tribal Waste Management Professionals | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/tribal-waste-management-program | EPA website with information on integrated waste management plans, Tribal waste management codes and ordinances, webinars, general assistance program (GAP) grants, and more. | Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard | Recycling | Tribal | Webinars | |||
| Template for Municipalities to Create a Compost Procurement Policy | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/types-composting-and-understanding-process | Natural Resources Defense Council's template for compost procurement policy: requires municipal entities to procure compost and encourages others to buy compost to enhance the market for compost. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Food, Paper/paperboard, Yard trimmings | Composting | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Suburban, Urban | Market Development | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| The Business Case for Reducing Waste | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/tools-preventing-and-diverting-wasted-food#options | The Center for EcoTechnology and Hamilton R3Source created this resource that includes tips to how businesses can track waste, repurpose surplus, and reduce waste, which ultimately leads to creative reuse and potential savings measures. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons) | Best Practices, Case Studies, Training Resources | |||
| The Importance Of Food Donation in Rhode Island (Training Video) | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states#2 | The Center for EcoTechnology's training video, created in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health, highlights the importance of food donation in Rhode Island. The video reviews the roles of surplus food recovery and distribution organizations and showcases the impact grocery stores can have when they partner with these organizations on food donation programs. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools | Best Practices, Training Resources | |||
| Throwing Away Food and Money: How Feeding the Connecticut Community Feeds Your Bottom Line | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states#1 | The Center for Eco Technology's resource for Connecticut businesses interested in learning more about the potential financial savings from preventing food waste includes success stories, a baseline formula, and more. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools | Case Studies | |||
| Toolkit for Reducing Marine Debris on College Campus | https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/marine-debris-campus-toolkit | The Campus Toolkit is a detailed "how to" guide for reducing plastic waste on college campuses and other institutions. | Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Plastic, Plastic bags | Recycling, Reducing | Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Schools | Best Practices, Educational Materials for Consumers | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Tools for Preventing and Diverting Wasted Food | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/tools-preventing-and-diverting-wasted-food | Materials on measuring food waste reduction and ways to prevent food waste. | Address Climate Change, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion | Food | Composting, Reducing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Best Practices, Educational Materials for Consumers, Models, Calculators, Databases, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Training Resources | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Track Waste and More Using ENERGY STAR's Portfolio Manager | https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise#PortfolioManager | EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a free online tool used to measure and track energy and water consumption, waste and recycling, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is used to benchmark the performance of one building or a whole portfolio of buildings in a secure environment. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Composting, Recycling, Reducing | Models, Calculators, Databases, Program Impact Measurement, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement, Training Resources | |||||
| Training: Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change | https://www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/creating-messages-drive-behavior-change | Education alone rarely changes behavior. These webinars and materials convey how to create impactful educational materials that lead to behavior change, such as recycling right. This training shares examples of how recycling, composting, and food waste prevention programs have applied social marketing approaches to effectively change behavior. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Multilingual and/or Spanish-Speaking, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Educational Materials for Consumers, Training Resources, Webinars | ||||
| Trash-Free Waters Projects Throughout the US | https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/trash-free-waters-projects-region | Across the country, EPA has provided technical and financial support for a number of projects designed to prevent trash from entering waterways. This site reflects several of these Trash-Free Waters projects in the U.S. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags | Recycling, Reducing | Rural, Suburban, Tribal, Urban | Case Studies | Waste Prevention or Reduction | ||
| Tribal Waste Journal 11: Sustainable Materials Management: Food, Built Environment, and Recycling (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/documents/twj_11_final_23oct2020_508.pdf | This issue of EPA's Tribal Waste Journal has six different articles centered on creating sustainability in different waste sectors. These articles include examples from specific tribal communities. | Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Tribal | Best Practices, Case Studies | ||||
| Tribal Waste Journal Archive | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/tribal-waste-journal | The Tribal Waste Journal is a publication focusing on various aspects of waste management and response programs. Each issue of EPA's Tribal Waste Journal features articles focused on one topic and includes interviews, resources, contacts, and a section for kids. | Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Composting, Recycling, Reducing, Reusing | Tribal | Best Practices, Case Studies, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | ||||
| Tribal Waste Journal Issue 4: Tribal Composting Nourishes Land and Tradition (pdf) | https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/30006P0B.PDF?Dockey=30006P0B.PDF | This issue focuses on creating and implementing composting programs in tribal communities. The article goes through a variety of composting options available to communities and the benefits that are associated with these different types of systems. Additionally, there are examples of solutions that have been successfully implemented by tribes. | Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Food, Yard trimmings | Composting | Tribal | Best Practices | |||
| Tribal Waste Management Funding Resources Directory | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/tribal-waste-management-funding-resources-directory | Searchable database of financial assistance (grants, loans, cost-sharing) available to tribes and nonprofit organizations to support their waste management. | Increase Access and Equity | Tribal | Funding | |||||
| Tribal Waste Management Program Sustainability Evaluation Tool | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/tribal-waste-management-program-sustainability-evaluation-tool | This tool consists of a spreadsheet for tribes or designees to evaluate the sustainability of their waste management programs (recycling, composting). Results of the evaluation can be used to diagnose and target areas to strengthen, assess improvements over time, and to aid in funding decisions. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Enhance Markets for Materials (Recyclables, Compost), Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Yard trimmings | Composting, Recycling, Reducing | Tribal | Community Self-Assessment | |||
| Tribal Waste Management Program Webinar Series | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/forms/tribal-waste-management-program-webinar-series-0 | This EPA webinar series reflects information on developing, building, and implementing a tribal waste management program. These webinars often cover topics that are pertinent to non-tribal communities as well. | Increase Waste Diversion | Tribal | Webinars | |||||
| Tribal Waste Management Training Resources | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/training-resources-tribal-waste-management | Library of tribal waste management training materials created in partnership with federal and non-federal partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Indian Health Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and tribal organizations. Content designed to assist tribes with developing and implementing a waste management program. The materials are organized into six categories including circular economy, solid and hazardous waste regulations, planning tools, collection and disposal, outreach and education and Alaska-specific information. These materials are a combination of resources from trainings, as well as education and outreach materials that are not a part of any formal training. | Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Access and Equity, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Participation, Prevent Waste, Reduce Contamination | Recycling | Tribal | Training Resources | ||||
| Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors for Communities to Calculate Waste Streams | https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-04/documents/volume_to_weight_conversion_factors_memorandum_04192016_508fnl.pdf | Communities can use these volume to weight conversion factors for different waste materials to consistently quantify the size of different waste streams. | Increase Waste Diversion | Batteries, Cardboard, Construction & Demolition (C&D), Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Tires, Yard trimmings | Composting, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Models, Calculators, Databases, Recycling and Food Waste Measurement | |||
| Waste Prevention or Reduction Model (WARM) | https://www.epa.gov/warm/basic-information-about-waste-reduction-model-warm | EPA's Waste Prevention or Reduction Model (WARM) allows organizations to estimate how many greenhouse gas savings are associated with managing materials under an alternative scenario (source reduction, recycling, anaerobic digestion, combustion, composting, landfilling) with the emissions associated with the user's baseline scenario (e.g., the current practice). | Address Climate Change | Cardboard, Electronics, Food, Glass, Light Bulbs, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic, Plastic bags, Tires, Yard trimmings | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Recycling | Rural, Suburban, Urban | Models, Calculators, Databases, Program Impact Measurement | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Socioeconomic Benefits | ||
| Wasted Food Scale | https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-scale | EPA's Wasted Food Scale is an infographic designed to help inform decision-making about wasted food management. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Waste Diversion, Prevent Waste | Food | Anaerobic Digestion, Composting, Reducing, Reusing | Businesses and Industry, Institutions (Hospitals, Prisons), Multifamily Housing and Renters, Rural, Schools, Suburban, Tribal, Underserved Communities, Urban | Best Practices, Community Self-Assessment, Definitions, Educational Materials for Consumers, Program Impact Measurement, Reports | |||
| Webinar of Tribes Creating Educational Messages that Drive Behavior Change | https://www.epa.gov/tribal-lands/webinar-recordings | This webinar introduces the outreach approach, Community-Based Social Marketing, and how it can be used to spark positive behavior change within a community. Tribal environmental professionals from the Pala Band of Mission Indians and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa present on how they have used community based social marketing approaches to increase recycling. | Address Climate Change, Create a Recycling, Composting, or Reuse Program, Increase Amount of Recyclables or Compost, Increase Cost Savings, Increase Participation, Increase Waste Diversion, Reduce Contamination | Cardboard, Food, Glass, Metal, Paper/paperboard, Plastic bags, Yard trimmings | Community Drop-Off Sites, Curbside Collection, Recycling | Tribal, Underserved Communities | Best Practices, Case Studies, Educational Materials for Consumers, Training Resources, Webinars | Address Climate Change , Cost Savings, Energy Efficiency, Human Health, Socioeconomic Benefits , Waste Prevention or Reduction |
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