Infrastructure Redesign Framework to Eliminate Structural Biases
Track
Policy
Session Description
There is a growing trend to rethink/redesign collection infrastructure holistically and intuitively guide recycling behavior. One can argue that most programs evolve from a legacy waste management system that simply grafts recycling and organics collections to a system that often maintains structural biases toward trash. This emerging redesign framework could be used to help decision-makers from all types of institutions/campuses understand practices like centralized collections, standardized bin colors and signage, removing redundant trash bins, etc. as part of a systems approach and not simply standalone initiatives. Guest speakers will briefly review what they consider fundamental elements of a successful infrastructure redesign framework, including:
- Bin attributes
- Metrics & measurement of success
- Support from operations & training
- Communication to occupants
- Education of users
- Designing for zero waste (new construction)
- Institutionalizing zero waste efforts
- Financing/RFPs with waste haulers
- Beyond waste sorting (encouraging waste reduction/minimization)
- Labeling and communications standards
- Bin placement guidelines
Panelists will share firsthand experiences from transitioning waste collection infrastructure to a three-stream model through different approach strategies. Attendees will participate in an activity to think through the fundamental elements of their most pressing infrastructure initiative with an opportunity to crowdsource solutions to major challenges.
Speakers
Nikhil Schneider, Pomona College
Title
Assistant Director of Sustainability
Speaker Abstract
For the vast majority of organizations, the approval/adoption of a zero waste plan doesn't include additional funding. For this reason, plan implementers must rely on grants or annual budgetary funds to implement the costly infrastructure measures required to meet zero waste goals. This presentation will discuss two unique funding mechanisms organizations can use to help allocate resources for zero waste initiatives.
Lin King, University of California Berkeley
Title
Zero Waste Manager
Speaker Abstract
Efforts to change waste infrastructure are often hampered by buildings that were not designed with zero waste or multi-stream collection in mind. This can take the form of trash chutes, limited space in dumpster enclosures, and other challenges. Constructing a new building with zero waste in mind creates significant opportunities to smooth the transition to zero waste. This can extend beyond a new building, so that it's features enable other facilities on the same campus to make transitions as well. Lin will go over the basic fundamental strategies of bins and infrastructure when designing buildings for zero waste. This includes right-sizing, collection points for different materials, bin attributes, the flow of material within and out of a building, and more.
Lindsey Hutchison, The University of Texas Austin
Title
Senior Zero Waste Coordinator
Speaker Abstract
While many people see zero waste as an infrastructure initiative, the human component of zero waste efforts is the one which makes the most impact, and is often overlooked. Lindsey will share UT Austin's Zero Waste Workplace program, which introduces building occupants to waste management strategies through a top-down leadership approach. By gaining buy-in from managers and department heads, zero waste messaging can be kept consistent, and easily disseminated to a building's occupants. Lindsey will also discuss how waste audits play a role in the education and messaging process, as well as how to adjust when encountering resistance from building occupants.
Cherie Hodge, Stanford Health Care
Title
Sustainability Operations Supervisor
Speaker Abstract
U.S. Hospitals generate 5.9 million tons of waste per year and are an essential partner in achieving zero waste. Stanford Health Care (SHC) has built a comprehensive quality management program to minimize contamination in recycling and compost collection. SHC did so by aligning with haulers on materials and quality standards, establishing evidence-based bin and label guidelines, engaging and educating staff, and conducting audits for bin and sorting compliance. The results are a recycling and compost program built for quality. While the scope of the zero-waste program represents a relatively small percentage of total hospital waste, SHC is using the program as a model for waste reduction throughout the institution. Hospital waste management is complicated and takes time to adjust, but hospitals’ waste quality and compliance expertise make them a valuable partner in operationalizing zero waste regulations.