EPR Organics Zero Waste

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EPR Organics Zero Waste
NCRA Recycling Update April 4, 2006
Bill Sheehan Helen Spiegelman Product Policy
Institute www.ProductPolicy.org
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1880 - 1920
Waste Became Municipal
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The Change in Discards
Waste Generated
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History of MSWM

• Organics Inorganics ?Manufactured Products

Sanitation ? Convenience
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Landilling is winning
SOURCE Franklin Associates
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An Impasse

• Recycling movement successful
• But stalled Recycling does not address core
  problem
• Most MSW is productsMost products designed for
  dump

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Composition of MSW 2000
Waste Generated
Manufactured Goods 75
Packaging
Non-durable Products
Durable Products
SOURCE US EPA 2005
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Product System
DistributeSell
Extract
Manufacture
Consumption
Local Govt
No influence on product design or marketing
No incentive to reduce waste
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Solution ? EPR
Extended Producer Responsibility

• Extends supply chain to include reverse
  logistics
• Creates incentive for better design
• Products never enter the MSWM system

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Role of Government

• Outcomes
• Brand owner plans
• Transparency Accountability
• Vs. Convenience for market

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Good News!!!!Transformation has started
Oct 2004 BC Recycling Reg Mar 2006 WA E-waste
Bill Feb 2006 CA U-waste ban SF EPR Resolution
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WA E-waste Bill
March 2006

• Local programs transitional
• Competition Standard plan Independent plan
• Competition Strong performer pays weak
  performer, based on return share

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San Francisco EPR Resolution
By covering the costs of collection and
disposal, local governments are subsidizing the
production of waste -- because manufacturers
know that whatever they produce, the local
government will foot the bill for recycling or
disposal
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Zero Waste Vision
Technical nutrients Biological nutrients

• Keep them separate!
• Design all products to recycle safely in closed
  loops
• Ban/phase out toxics mixed products
• but silent on political drivers!

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EPR Organics Recycling Zero Waste
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Product Policy Institute P.O. Box 48433 Athens GA
30604 USA Tel [phone] bill_at_ProductPolicy.o
rg www.ProductPolicy.org