LGC: Waste Prevention

Waste Prevention Category

As more resources are consumed, more waste is generated. Local governments are mainly responsible for managing this waste stream. With assistance from state and federal agencies, local governments have worked to protect the environment and public health through implementing solid and hazardous waste prevention programs.

Solid waste prevention programs have traditionally focused on four main components of the waste steam: aluminum, glass, paper, and plastics. More recently, many programs have expanded into other waste types, such as packaging, construction/demolition debris, organics/green waste and food waste.

Hazardous waste prevention programs handle toxic products and compounds generated from a variety of business sectors such as auto repair, dry cleaning, electronics, hospitality, health care and petroleum refining industries. Most programs also address household hazardous wastes, such as cleaning supplies, paint, pesticides, and used oil, generated by residents.

The 1991 Ahwahnee Principles - which form the basis for the Local Government Commission's work on livable, sustainable communities - address waste prevention in the following ways:

The community design should help conserve resources and minimize waste.
Materials and methods of construction should be specific to the region, exhibiting continuity of history and culture and compatibility with the climate to encourage the development of local character and community identity.

For more information, click on one of the following topics:

Air Quality
Green Building
Hazardous Waste Prevention
Local Economies
Solid Waste Prevention
Water Quality