DC report tracks progress toward 80 percent diversion rate
DC report tracks progress toward 80 percent diversion rate
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Several agencies within the government of the District of Columbia (DC) have identified attention to the diversion of yard waste, food scraps and old clothing as key to reaching an 80 percent landfill diversion rate targeted in a 2014 law.
In the introduction to the Solid Waste Diversion Progress Report covering the 2015-2016 fiscal year the District’s Department of Public Works (DPW), Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Department of General Services (DGS) and Housing Authority (DCHA) indicate a “waste audit [has] revealed that nearly 80 percent of the waste stream could be diverted if composting and textile recycling was coupled with a traditional recycling program.”
The agencies also say they have “partnered to develop a comprehensive recycling education toolkit and pilot program tailored for the public housing portfolio.”
On the organics and composting side, the DPW says it collects leaves at least twice from each residential neighborhood by “vacuuming” loose leaves during a period typically running from the first week of November through the last week of December. In the first two weeks of January, DPW collects holiday trees and greenery.
Also, the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) runs a Community Compost Cooperative Network allowing residents who are members of a community garden the opportunity to drop off and participate in neighborhood composting programs.
DC says it is preparing to boost its composting volume in 2017 with several initiatives, including:
- In fiscal year 2017, the District will issue an updated list of materials required to be recycled in commercial and residential recycling, with the list being designed “to achieve greater alignment of what can be recycled or composted in the District regardless of whether in a commercial setting or a single-family home.”
- Food service establishments that use single use packaging must only use recyclable or compostable products in 2017.
- Based on the updated list of recyclable materials, new education and outreach materials will be developed, including new zero-waste web pages on DPW’s website and new information for DPW-serviced residential properties. DPW also will provide recycling and waste diversion education in 50 schools through its SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) Jr. program in fiscal year 2017.
- Also in FY 2017, DPW will launch a food waste composting drop-off program. A site in each ward, such as a farmer’s market, will be established where residents, year-round, can drop off food waste for composting.
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Source: Recycling Today
DC report tracks progress toward 80 percent diversion rate
<![CDATA[Several agencies within the government of the District of Columbia (DC) have identified attention to the diversion of yard waste, food scraps and old clothing as key to reaching an 80 percent landfill diversion rate targeted in a 2014 law. In the introduction to the Solid Waste Diversion Progress Report covering the 2015-2016 fiscal year the District’s Department of Public Works (DPW), Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Department of General Services (DGS) and Housing Authority (DCHA) indicate a “waste audit [has] revealed that nearly 80 percent of the waste stream could be diverted if composting and textile recycling was coupled with a traditional recycling program.” The agencies also say they have “partnered to develop a comprehensive recycling education toolkit and pilot program tailored for the public housing portfolio.” On the organics and composting side, the DPW says it collects leaves at least twice from each residential neighborhood by “vacuuming” loose leaves during a period typically running from the first week of November through the last week of December. In the first two weeks of January, DPW collects holiday trees and greenery. Also, the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) runs a Community Compost Cooperative Network allowing…