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Chapter 4: Waste Reduction
4.1 Introduction
Waste reduction is defined as actions taken to either reduce or completely prevent the generation of waste before it happens. Some further divide this term into categories such as waste prevention, avoidance, and minimization. In this document, the term “reduction” includes these other categories. From a waste management perspective, waste reduction is one of the most effective ways to address waste issues. Reducing the amount of waste generated can lead to a decrease in costly disposal and recycling facilities, as well as collection programs to divert toxic or specialty materials.
Manufacturers can minimize waste through product design, using less packaging, and making products more durable and/or designed for recycling. Designing products in a way that minimizes their longterm environmental impacts is becoming increasingly prevalent. These principles are often termed product stewardship or extended producer responsibility (EPR), which is discussed further in the recycling chapter. Pierce County anticipates a statewide EPR legislation during the next 20 years. Implementation of EPR policies can have several benefits as they hold producers accountable rather than consumers.
Because we live in a linear economy, pursuing a low-waste lifestyle as a consumer comes with many challenges. The current system encourages unnecessary consumption and then leaves responsible disposal up to the individual with little to no direction. Pierce County and the City of Tacoma recognize that systemic change is necessary to redefine the system. However, by practicing conscious consumption, individuals can reduce their waste output. Some ways to practice conscious consumption include:
1. Avoid single-use items. Choose a durable option like a reusable shopping bag or travel mug for your groceries and coffee. 2. Consider the packaging. If you have an opportunity to purchase an item you need in a package that can be recycled curbside in your area, choose that. 3. Purchase items made from recycled content. Consumers drive the market. Learn more tips for reducing waste on the Pierce County website.
Pierce County recognizes that waste reduction practices tend to place responsibility on individual actions by consumers rather than influence systemic change. Additionally, waste reduction practices have been a habit in many communities for hundreds of years – these important perspectives should be included in programs and messaging.
4.1.1 Life Cycle Analysis
One way to examine how different materials can contribute to GHG reduction is through a process known as life cycle analysis. This process attempts to capture the total amount of GHG emitted during the production, transportation, and end-of-life phases of various materials. Many life cycle analysis tools exclude the “use phase” from their analysis as there are too many variables to consider when thinking about what a consumer does with a material between purchasing it and disposing of it. Regardless, life cycle analysis tools can help waste management professionals make strategic decisions on how to manage materials based on their impact to GHG emissions and, therefore, climate change.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s WARM Model is used by many waste management professionals and is similar to the life cycle analysis tool. This software allows professionals to input tonnages of different materials diverted from the landfill to get estimates of GHG emission reductions. This tool is somewhat limited because it does not account for a material’s production phase, which often consumes the most energy and emits the most GHG. Another tool developed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the Waste Impact Calculator (WIC), which does consider production impacts on GHG emissions, as well as eight other indicators (e.g., energy demand, eutrophication, human toxicity). Like the WARM Model, the WIC allows professionals to input their own solid waste data in tons to generate an analysis of how various materials will impact the indicators at current or “optimal” levels. Tools like the WIC can help Pierce County and the City of Tacoma determine how to allocate resources to improve recycling recovery and identify which materials would have greater impact from a waste reduction perspective. They also allow solid waste professionals to align waste management goals with their jurisdiction’s, and the State’s broader climate goals when both are measured in terms of GHG reduction. Pierce County and the City of Tacoma will continue to coordinate with Washington Department of Ecology to ensure that City and County goals are in alignment with the State’s materials management goals and that everyone is capturing similar metrics to allow for a meaningful comparison.
4.2 Conditions Assessment
Pierce County and the City of Tacoma support many waste reduction programs. Table 4 summarizes these efforts. For a detailed list of these programs, see Appendix F.
Table 4. Waste Reduction Programs
Program Lead
Sustainable Resources - Solid Waste Team
Name
Pierce County Education Efforts
Reduce Waste Website
Sustainable Resources - Solid Waste Team Waste Less Wednesday Tips
Sustainable Resources
Sustainable Resources - Solid Waste Team Waste Reduction Actions in Sustainability 2030: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program
Sustainable Resources - Environmental Education Waste Reduction Classes
Sustainable Resources - Environmental Education What’s for Dinner? Tips to Waste Less Food
City of Tacoma – SWM and Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability (OEPS)
City of Tacoma – SWM and OEPS
City of Tacoma Waste Reduction Programs
Waste Free 253 Webpage
Preventing Wasted Food
City of Tacoma – OEPS Bring Your Own Mug (BYOM)
City of Tacoma – SWM and OEPS
City of Tacoma, in partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department – OEPS Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB)
EnviroStars
Waste Reduction Actions in Environmental Action Plan
Online Resource In Person/Tangible Resource
We must respond immediately to climate change and our actions must be bold.Introduction Chapter 4: Waste Reduction | Planning Issues and Actions
4.3 Planning Issues
How do we transition our measuring methods away from diversion toward reduction?
Historically, the success of a recycling program has been determined by quantity rather than quality of materials. The onset of China’s National Sword policy provided an opportunity to reexamine our waste reduction and recycling messaging and highlighted a need to focus on quality over quantity while emphasizing the importance of waste reduction. To ensure we are aligned with the division’s reduction over diversion priorities, we may need to choose new metrics that will inform our efforts going forward.
Are we ensuring that our waste reduction messaging is sensitive and inclusive to all Pierce County?
There is not a one-size-fits-all model for waste reduction strategies, and numerous factors must be considered to ensure equitable outcomes. Additionally, public education campaigns for waste reduction face challenges that may prevent effective behavior change and ultimately drain program resources. Not only are these campaigns difficult to measure, but also they must overcome a culture of consumerism. Successful waste reduction messaging accounts for sensitivity to financial situations, available resources, removing pressure from the individual consumer, etc.
How can we best support structural changes to recycling systems to ensure that manufacturers are held responsible for the waste they create?
As local government entities, Pierce County, the City of Tacoma and TPCHD are limited in how representatives can interact with the legislative process, but they can still evaluate legislation to prepare for how it may impact the community and operations, or align with broader organizational goals. Our first responsibility is to our residents and customers. It is important to consider how legislation at any level could impact operations or the services our customers receive.
Can we reinforce the fact that reusable options are safe in a post-COVID-19 world?
As many people became more aware of spreading germs, the safety of single-use plastics during a pandemic was a hot topic of discussion. There has also been a surge in single use items like masks and gloves contributing to increased contamination levels in recycling. Finally, with many people at home, there has been a massive increase in the amount of online shopping. These topics will need to be addressed in future messaging.
4.4 Actions
Waste Reduction Action 1: Support legislation at the state level (e.g., legislative agenda for council) that promotes packaging with the lowest life-cycle GHG emissions.
For more food waste-related recommendations, please see the Organics chapter.
