Washington, D.C., releases zero waste plan to increase landfill diversion

The Washington, D.C., Department of Public Works (DPW) has released Zero Waste DC, a plan for the district to divert 80 percent of solid waste away from landfills and incinerations.

The landfill diversion efforts are designed to achieve a more sustainable future, maximize the benefits of renewable and reusable resources and minimize the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions generated by residents and governmental agencies, according to a release from Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office.

“This is a comprehensive strategy for sustainable solid waste management aimed to inform future policy development and decision making,” DPW Director Timothy Spriggs says. “It will require significant investment and a cohesive effort on the part of district government and its regional partners, as well as a concerted effort by residents and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Together, we can realize our city’s zero waste goals.”

The district’s annual solid waste output averages 1.13 million tons annually, or about 9 pounds per resident per day, and is predicted to reach 1.4 million tons by 2038, according to the release. The new plan outlines a series of actions and policies that together would divert almost one million tons of solid waste annually, lower greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million metric tons annually and create 300 green jobs within the district government.

Measures outlined in the Zero Waste DC plan include DPW’s curbside composting pilot program, which launched in August 2023 to encourage single-family homes to compost food waste rather than throw it away. The pilot is currently ongoing, with food waste set to be processed into compost and distributed to pilot participants.

DPW developed the plan based on more than eight years of research and analysis, collaboration between district agencies and external stakeholders, community events and public surveys.  

Strategies include:

• Implementing refill and reuse policies citywide: Promoting the use of reusable containers for food, beverages and other consumer goods, and providing incentives and support to businesses that offer reusables.
• Adopting universal recycling and composting requirements: By ensuring recycling and composting services are available citywide, residents and visitors can divert their waste to zero waste pipelines over landfills and incinerators.
• Developing a Zero Waste Campus: Redeveloping the former Benning Road Transfer Station into a Zero Waste Campus to include expanded recycling and diversion services for district residents.
• Reducing recycling contamination: By implementing cart tagging programs citywide, the district can minimize contamination from residential recycling and composting and increase diversion rates.
• Bolstering litter reduction policies and increasing illegal dumping enforcement: Protecting neighborhoods, parks and waterways to mitigate rodent activity and enhance community awareness of zero waste efforts.