Dear T.J.,
I can’t promise we can all have colorful accents, call each other “Kiwis” or that we can get our toilet water to spin counterclockwise when we flush (does it really do that?), but I can tell you there are some exciting Zero Waste developments happening right here at home, much like those in New Zealand. In fact, now is the time for YOU to help move it forward.
Zero Waste isn’t just happening in New Zealand. Communities like San Francisco, Seattle, and most recently Colorado’s own Summit County have all made headlines for their Zero Waste goals and plans. Not to be outdone by its fellow groovy towns, the city of Boulder is adding its name to the list of communities working toward Zero Waste and formulating a detailed budget and plan for how to get there. A draft “Road Map to Zero Waste” is currently being circulated in the community for public comment before it goes to Council for a vote. It includes three waste diversion scenarios for the public and Council to consider, so preview the condensed version below and keep reading for dates and places to add your opinions to the mix.
Current Plan: 60% by December 2007
The Current Plan is based solely upon the revenue the city expects to receive from the current Trash Tax funding. The plan proposes measures such as a program similar to San Francisco’s very successful “Fantastic Three” program, where residents place three bins at the curb for collection: one for recyclables, one for compostable materials like food and yard waste, and one for trash. Other measures include commercial food waste collection, construction and demolition debris recycling, and a ban on landfilling electronic equipment.
Action Plan: 70% by December 2012
The Action Plan spells out how the city could invest in waste reduction if additional revenue becomes available. It includes minimum levels of recycling for multi-family units, an increase in the business Trash Tax, a fine for improper electronics disposal, and a recycling goal for the commercial sector, which accounts for more than 50% of our waste stream.
Vision Plan: 85% by December 2017
The Vision Plan, one of the most progressive proposals by a local government nationwide, includes a mandatory source separation ordinance where materials will be required to be separated for recycling. It also includes the creation of a new center for construction and demolition debris and local take back laws like those being introduced in other Zero Waste communities where manufacturers and retailers of specific materials either take back their product for recycling at the end of its useful life, or support infrastructure that recycles the material.
What do you think? The city of Boulder wants to know. On October 18th you can tell them at their Open House from 4-6 p.m. at the Municipal Building Lobby. On October 20th they will host a business focus group lunch from 12-1 p.m. to get feedback from the business community. To attend the focus group, RSVP to hibberdm@ci.boulder.co.us or call 303-441-4204.
Residents can also comment at displays at the public library, recreation centers, grocery stores, and at the Farmers' Market every Saturday until November 5th. For more information, visit www.environmentalaffairs.com.
If you don’t live in Boulder, stay tuned to this column. You may soon be hearing of similar efforts on the county level.
So while we may ski in January and not July, and the ocean is far from sight, soon Boulder and New Zealand might at least have Zero Waste in common.
