A Comprehensive Approach to Waste Policy

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A Comprehensive Approachto Waste Policy
AWMA PNWIS Conference Boise, ID

• Stephen Gerritson
• Business Development Manager
• enterpriseSeattle

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The Problem What To Do With Our Trash

• Landfill
• Incineration
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Zero Waste
• Results We Still Have a Problem

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The Real Problem

• Economic Organization Around Least Costs
• Waste Treated as an Externality
• Disposability as Part of Our Culture
• Acceptance of Waste as Inevitable Leads to the
  Process of Waste Management

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The Solution

• Recognize that the Problem is Cultural
• Put Emphasis on Cultural Change
• Provide Sticks as Well as Carrots
• How to do this?

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-1 Redesign
• Change in Materials
• Elimination of Coatings
• Simplification

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-2 Reconfiguration
• Changes in Processing Lines
• Changes in Supply Chains

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-3 Reduction
• Smaller Packaging
• Less Filler
• Less Ancillary Material

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-4 Reuse
• Products Should Be Made to Be Reusable Rather
  Than Disposable

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-5 Responsibility
• Product Stewardship
• Full Cost Pricing
• Cradle to Cradle

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-6 Redirection
• Alternative Uses
• Resource Conservation

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-7 Recycling
• Reprocessing of a material to make more of the
  same
• Examples Steel, Paper, Aluminum

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-8 Recovery
• Materials with No Other Option
• Energy Extraction
• Examples Incineration, Deconstruction

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-9 Residuals
• Incinerator Ash
• Biosolids

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Conceptual Framework R-10

• R-10 Review
• Periodic updating based on best available
  technologies
• Periodic assessment of progress and adjustments

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Implementation

• How to encourage cultural change
• Legislative package
• Incentives
• Penalties
• Market development

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Contact Information

• Stephen Gerritson
• enterpriseSeattle
• 1301 5th Avenue, Suite 2500
• Seattle, WA 98101
• 206-389-8656
• sgerritson_at_enterpriseseattle.org