Scrap Old Habits: Toss Consumables Ecologically

Marin County recommends Zero Waste Programs to enhance recycling and waste reduction.

The County of Marin’s Waste Management Division has partnered with the Conservation Corps North Bay to implement and enhance recycling and waste reduction programs at local schools and large events.

Conservation Corps staff develop green teams who facilitate recycling activities at Marin county events and select schools. Students, janitorial staff, parents and teachers create viably cohesive teams and maintain the systems to provide further encouragement of Zero Waste programs at Marin schools

2011 was just the first year grant funding became available, from the Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority (JPA), to administer Zero Waste Programs. The JPA grant program encourages partnerships between municipalities, non-profits and local contractors through the development of innovative waste reduction programs that diminish waste generation down to zero.

The County contracted with Conservation Corps North Bay in 2011 to fund food scrap composting at large Marin county events such as Earth Day, the Marin County Fair, and the Far West Fest, as well as funding for recycling coordination at Marin schools and educational composting programs. These events combined over 97,000 pounds of recyclables and compostable wastes last year which were collected and diverted from the landfill to a higher use.

Start your own Green Team! Need more info? Contact Steve Devine at sdevine@marincounty.org, or 415. 473. 2711. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling (415) 473-4381 (Voice) 473-3232 (TDD/TTY) or by e-mail at disabilityaccess@marincounty.org at least four work days in advance of any event. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.