ZWA Zero Waste Road Map - the Zero Waste Alliance

A Road Map to Zero Waste SuccessThe Zero Waste Alliance (ZWA) is a leading national nonprofit that helps industry andcommunities pursue zero waste. A future without waste and toxic materials is not just a dream;it’s a necessity. Waste reduces the effectiveness of our businesses and harms the vitality of ourcommunities, but it does not have to be this way. Waste is the result of a broken process.Fortunately, this is a process that can be fixed.The pursuit of zero waste for an organization of community can be extremely challenging.Regardless, the social, economic and environmental benefits of zero waste provide tremendousreturns on this effort. The Zero Waste Alliance has worked with a wide of organizations andcommunities to help them successfully develop and implement zero waste initiatives. Whileeach of these engagements was unique, ranging from specific products to entire cities, theprocess follows a consistent path.Project Scope and Initial Goal SettingThis builds common understanding of the parameters and drivers of your zero waste efforts.During this stage it is critical to engage organizational leaders as well as frontline employees,establish a clear focus and identify and include the correct stakeholders. This initial scoping andgoal setting effort is as much about why you are pursuing zero waste as how you will do it. Thedetails will come later.Waste Stream MappingMapping provides you a comprehensive picture of your waste stream and your opportunities toreduce that waste stream. It highlights the volume, make-up and sources of the waste andoverlays that data with community and municipal infrastructure to keep the waste out oflandfills. As a result, the mapping process provides organizations a clear view of low-hangingopportunities as well as critical waste reduction barriers.• Waste Stream Assessment - This is about really knowing your waste stream. What make-upsyour waste (paper, plastics, organic, etc.), how does it tie back to your various departments oractivities and where are the low hanging opportunities?• Infrastructure Assessment - What is the capacity within your organization and/or communityaddress your waste? For example, if you choose to compost, is there any where to send it? Acritical element of infrastructure is identifying reduce and reuse organizations you can engage.Zero Waste Alliance227 SW Pine Street, 220 Portland OR 97204(503) 279-9383www.zerowaste.orginfo@zerowaste.org

Review Project Scope and GoalsConsidering what you have learned, are your scope and goals still relevant and realistic? Oftenafter assessments organizations will narrow their efforts to a few positive first steps. Often timesthese have less to do with actual waste reduction and more to do with building awareness,infrastructure and capacity.Implementation Plan with BenchmarksClearly and concisely lay out the strategies and tactics behind the implementation of your zerowaste campaign. Assign very clear metrics that are easy to measure and easy for all thestakeholders to understand. Now is also the time to be clear on specific roles andaccountabilities ensuring that each of your benchmarks has a qualified champion.Project ImplementationThe effort has launched and the various components are underway. Maintain a high level ofinteraction, preferably including a launch event where you are able to fully communicate thegoals and benefits the effort and address questions. Know at the beginning that you will uncoverunexpected barriers and opportunities. These need to be documented and addressed via thebenchmarking and plan review process.Benchmark and Implementation Plan ReviewThis is also know as a midstream adjustment. You have allowed an appropriate amount of timeand have been regularly tracking your progress. This is the predefined time to examine yourinitial outcomes and learnings, and, identify if there is a need to modify your plan or goals.Project ImplementationYou have looked at your outcomes and made the necessary adjustments, now it back to work. Asbefore, communication is essential and a check-in meeting to reassert the importance of theeffort and continue to answer questions is strongly recommended.Project Evaluation and ReportingAdditional time has now passed and you have reached the critical dates on the timeline whereyou compile and share out your performance and your learnings. Undoubtedly some effortshave been more successful than others. Own all of your outcomes equally as they all contributeto long-term success. Your reporting should be distributed to all of your stakeholders, especiallythose intended to maintain the integrity of your effort.As stated previously, every engagement and zero waste effort is unique. However, by following aclear road map that allows all the participants and stakeholders to be aligned and engaged, thepotential for success goes up dramatically. If your organization is interested in learning moreabout the Road Map to Zero Waste or would like support with your planning andimplementation, please feel free to contact us at info@zerowaste.org.An inclusive and prosperous future without waste is just ahead!Zero Waste Alliance227 SW Pine Street, 220 Portland OR 97204(503) 279-9383www.zerowaste.orginfo@zerowaste.org