Tag Archive zerowaste

Reduced Waste Challenge at Super Bowl XLIX

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee has teamed up with Super Bowl XLIX to announce the first “Reduced Waste Challenge,” which will be held during the festivities accompanying the Super Bowl in the middle of downtown Phoenix.

Various approaches

The organization planning the Super Bowl-related festivities is encouraging vendors, business owners and visitors to use recyclables and reusable products to eliminate waste.
Composting will also be introduced on-site; bins will be set up by the Phoenix Department of Public Works. Food collected will be converted into compost. Volunteers will be on hand to assist attendees and ensure the materials are tossed into the correct bins.

Future Directions

This organics waste pilot program will serve as a test for the city of Phoenix as well as future sporting events. Because it is the first time organics collection will be introduced at the Super Bowl, the project will set a precedent for games to follow. The goal set for the “Reduced Waste Challenge” at this Super Bowl is to achieve an 80% diversion rate.

Source: Waste Dive

MD issues executive order to increase recycling, raise diversion rate

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (D) has issued an executive order to increase recycling, reuse, waste diversion, and composting across the state. The order is effective immediately.

The order will also limit new or expanded municipal landfills, including debris landfills that accept materials from land clearing.

The order highlights Maryland’s ambitious goal of reaching 85% waste diversion and an 80% recycling rate by 2040. The state government must hit a mandatory recycling rate of 65% by 2020, and is expected to divert a minimum of 60% of its organic waste using recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion by that year.

Maryland’s “Zero Waste Plan” was issued in 2014, with a focus on the role that anaerobic digesters can play in order to help attain the state’s goals.

Source: Waste Dive