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Blue Planet: Zero Waste

Assisting client partners with their zero waste objectives and goals, and
their TRUE or other zero waste certification program. A Zero waste
program goal is to divert all waste from landfills, incineration (waste-to-
energy) and the environment.

Learn More About Zero Waste

ZERO WASTE and TRUE ZERO WASTE PROGRAMS

(US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification, Inc., (GBCI))

Definition of Zero Waste

“Zero Waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of all products, packaging, and materials without burning them and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”

- Zero Waste International Alliance, 2018

blue planet’s TRUE and LEED certified waste audit team members assists client partners with their ZERO Waste Program goals, objectives, and certifications. A ZERO Waste Program attempts to divert 100% of a facility’s total waste stream with less than a 10% tolerance for contamination, while delivering savings.
 
Whether your facility is seeking to quantify their own corporate Zero Waste Program or they are seeking certification through the GBCI TRUE Zero Waste program, blue planet can provide the following assistance towards achieving your zero waste goals:
 
• Assist in creating or evaluating any current Zero Waste Policy.
 
• Establish a benchmark of current diversion efforts (Waste Audit). If facility is not diverting 90% or more, work with client partner to take steps to achieve the 90% or higher diversion rate through education, and other actions working towards ZERO Waste.
 
• Begin waste stream data collection for Project Base-Line Year Data (12 months).
 
• Perform periodical waste audits to inspect contamination levels and diversion rates.
 
• Collect and verify 12 months of waste diversion data.
 
• Work with the GBCI Assessors during their on-site assessment, including coordinating with facilities team to schedule the assessment and compile any additional information and documentation required or requested.
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About ZERO Waste Certification

The TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Zero Waste certification is a program of the GBCI (Green Business Certification, Inc.). TRUE certified spaces are environmentally responsible, more resource efficient and help turn waste into savings and additional income streams.

The TRUE Zero Waste certification program is an Assessor-based program that rates how well facilities perform in minimizing their non-hazardous, solid wastes and maximizing their efficiency in the use of resources. The Assessor is an impartial third party that delivers services under the direct supervision of GBCI, and is expected to review and assess compliance with the rating system requirements

The ZERO Waste Hierarchy

The Zero Waste Hierarchy describes a progression of policies and strategies to support the Zero Waste system, from highest and best to lowest use of materials. It is designed to be applicable to all audiences, from policy-makers to industry and the individual. It aims to provide more depth to the internationally recognized 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); to encourage policy, activity and investment at the top of the hierarchy; and to provide a guide for those who wish to develop systems or products that move us closer to Zero Waste. It enhances the Zero Waste definition by providing guidance for planning and a way to evaluate proposed solutions. Users are encouraged to develop policies and actions starting at the top of the hierarchy.

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Back view of factory employees on the production floor

Client Partner Summary

Prior to engaging blue planet, a large manufacturing company was sending 100% of it’s waste to are landfills, at an annual expense of more than a quarter of a million dollars. After performing a waste audit, blue planet was able to make recommendations and implement a better program resulting in a 75% increase in their diversion rate, and realizing more than 30% in annual savings. Our creative, and innovative approach helped blue planet show areas for improvement, optimization and education which delivered a better managed waste program.

Regulatory Compliance

More and more municipalities across the United States are implementing Zero Waste and Diversion thresholds upon both the public and private sectors with penalties for non- compliance. In addition, these municipalities are requiring 3rd party assessments to confirm and validate compliance.

For example Washington DC in February 2024 announced its strategy to reach Zero Waste by 2040, including an 80% diversion rate by 2032 as well as requiring Organics Recycling Programs.

Zero Waste DC Plan (2024 PDF)
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Contact Us

Blue Planet is here to help you consider if a Zero Waste program is right for you, or to discuss next steps in starting and launching a Zero Waste Program.

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