Zero Waste

In Baltimore, a coordinated movement towards sustainable material management practices will require broadening the focus from recycling to the larger world of Zero Waste.
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What Is Zero Waste

 “Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” - Zero Waste International Alliance

Baltimore uses waste diversion strategies to achieve Zero Waste. We focus on conserving resources through sustainable behaviors.

Transitioning to Zero Waste means 90% of all the material we send for disposal will be diverted to other streams through reduction, reuse, repurposing, recycling, and more.

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On the Road to Zero Waste

Creating more sustainable resource management strategies as a City requires coordinated adoption of waste diversion practices across public and private sectors. Our collaborative programs, plans, and policies are designed to promote sustainable material management and zero waste in Baltimore and the Maryland region.

For zero waste updates and info subscribe to The Office of Waste Diversion’s monthly newsletter: Beyond Recycling.

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