Purpose: To shift consumption patterns, manage purchases more carefully, and maximize the reuse of materials in order to achieve the specific objectives of 75% waste diversion by 2013, and zero waste by 2022.

Approved by the City Council in October 2007, the Zero Waste Resolution strives to achieve the following components:
• strengthen recycling programs
• identify infrastructure requirements for reuse, recycling, and fee structures, and
• identify economic development opportunities from expanding solid waste processing facilities and industries using recycled materials as feedstock.

In its zero waste efforts, the resolution differentiates between the importance of improving “downstream” reuse and pursuing “upstream” redesign strategies. The central intention is to divert future waste from landfills and reevaluate what is seen as waste.

San Jose’s Zero Waste Strategic Plan is comprehensive in nature, covering the following areas:
• Commercial program – recycling services for businesses
• City Facilities program – recycling programs for public areas, parks, and other City venues
• Residential and Schools program – materials collection and food waste composting
• Construction and Demolition program – heavy tonnage material collection
• Waste management facilities program – management improvements for landfills, transfer stations, and recycling facilities

Public Outreach & Education:

City staff developed a two-part stakeholder engagement process in order to first, obtain a comprehensive view of current recycling practices and second, educating the community.

Phase one was completed through online surveys, presentations to diverse organizations, and case study interviews while phase two was geared towards presenting the benefits of more extensive waste systems and addressing concerns identified in phase one.

Legal Issues:

Supporting the Zero Waste Resolution is SB 1020, which establishes more rigorous state-wide recycling goals by 2020.

In February 2008, City Council approved an evaluation of prohibiting plastic bags in grocery and retail stores in San Jose within the Green Vision Implementation Plan. Staff has been meeting with representatives of the grocer’s community and plastics industry. In order to promote reusable bags, a website was launched with an online survey for grocers and retailers to provide feedback for a potential fee option for continued plastic bag use.

The primary cost of the Zero Waste Strategic Plan and Waste Characterization Study was $500,000 for consultant services.
While the City is currently unable to estimate the fiscal impacts of achieving zero waste, over time, future costs to San José and its residents and businesses will increase regardless, as solid waste disposal costs increase due to closure of local landfills and more stringent regulations limiting disposal options for future waste.

Achieving zero waste will reduce related waste disposal fees (the Disposal Facility Tax, Solid Waste Enforcement Fee, and Countywide Integrated Waste Management Fee), which are City General Fund revenues. This impact will need to be addressed.