Waste Reduction Network
Waste Reduction Network
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Annually, the U.S. generates 2.7 billion tons of industrial solid waste and more than 290 million tons of municipal solid waste. By reducing waste, organizations may also save energy. Manufacturers, companies, schools, and governments across the country can strengthen their competitiveness and sustainability by setting and realizing robust waste reduction goals. In 2019, DOE announced the Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Pilot. Over a 2-year period, DOE worked with organizations to determine the appropriate metrics, goals, and opportunities to reduce waste in different sectors. The program has transitioned permanently to the Waste Reduction Network. |
To facilitate waste reduction the Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Network brings industry-leading organizations together to demonstrate successful approaches to waste management.
This page offers waste diversion and reduction resources organized by key topics. Click below to explore.
To date, the 900+ Better Buildings partners have saved more than 2.5 quadrillion Btus, saving more than $15 billion and 155 million tons of CO2.
Featured Solutions
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Credit Human Making Large Strides with Waste Management Implementation Model Credit Human adopted an Environmental Stewardship Policy, working towards Credit Human’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and energy use. Credit Human has furthered these ongoing efforts through the implementation of a solid waste management plan.
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JBG SMITH’s North End Retail Composting Program Solutions at a Glance JBG SMITH set a goal to hit a waste diversion rate of 60% by 2030. Recognizing that the weight of organic material is a significant portion of the landfill waste stream, the sustainability team started a composting pilot program to divert organic waste from landfills at their North End Retail property in Washington, D.C.
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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC developed a "Zero Waste to Landfill" Certification Process for its manufacturing facilities, promoting zero waste to landfill across all plants in 2021. |
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Steelcase’s “Hack the Pack” Finds New Ways to Use Materials More Efficiently Solutions at a Glance The Better Plants partner formed a design-thinking workshop called “Hack the Pack," bringing together a cross-functional team to find ways to change, or “hack,” product packaging to benefit dealers, Steelcase, and the environment.
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Montefiore Medical Center: Waste Management Program Reduces Overall Waste & Cost Solutions at a Glance Montefiore developed a comprehensive recycling program using waste audits and source generation methods to reduce and divert waste in operating rooms and throughout their medical campuses.
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City of Beaverton: User Testing for Effective Waste Signage Solutions at a Glance The City of Beaverton, OR utilized a user testing process to develop waste signage that was effective and easy to understand.
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Sprint’s Systematic Approach to Waste Management Implementation Model Sprint's systematic approach to waste management has resulted in the company steadily increasing its waste diversion rate each year since 2008.
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Shorenstein Properties: Improved Waste Diversion with Training and Audits Solutions at a Glance Shorenstein utilized three main components, policy, training and outreach, and auditing, to see success in their waste diversion program.
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Bristol-Myers Squibb: Application of Principles of Green Chemistry Leads to Significant Reductions in Material Waste Solutions at a Glance In an effort to reduce process waste and improve efficiency, staff at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) leveraged the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Principles of Green Chemistry to enhance their sustainability efforts.
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Additional Information
Waste Management Hierarchy: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created a hierarchy of 4 key waste management approaches: source reduction and reuse; recycling and composting; energy recovery; and treatment and disposal.
Waste Reduction Network's Tip of the Month: The Waste Reduction Network publishes a tip of the month on a bi-monthly basis that highlights best practices in the industry, and the latest innovations and emerging trends to facilitate successful approaches to waste reduction. View past tips below. To sign up for the Waste Reduction Network's emails, click here.
FEATURED ON THE BEAT BLOG:
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Partners Combine Forces to Tackle Shared Waste Challenges
In a recent peer exchange, Better Buildings partners in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors discussed challenges and solutions related to waste reduction and diversion in the medical field.
An Efficiency Case in Point: Sprint Improves Waste Diversion
This blog highlights Sprint's waste diversion efforts as well as the company's implementation model on its systematic approach to waste reduction.