More information on our work and the Zero Waste Movement

Annual highlights provide a snapshot of Zero Waste Washington’s successes and efforts over the years. Highlight for:  2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

• Bill to reduce food and yard waste at landfills passes second house in Washington, March 4, 2022
• Washington’s new bag law takes effect, September 29, 2021
• Governor Inslee sets Oct 1 as the start date for Washington’s new bag law, July 14, 2021
• Governor Inslee signs ground-breaking Washington State plastics and recycling bill, May 17, 2021
• Bill to Tackle Plastics Crisis Passes Washington State House:  April 7, 2021
• Pacific NW Zero Waste Innovation Hackathon winners announced: November 30, 2020
• House passes Das’s and Peterson’s “Reusable Bag Act,” banning single-use plastic bags: March 7, 2020
• Bill requiring recycled content in plastic bottles passes second house in Washington: March 6, 2020
• Washington House passes bill to require recycled content in plastic bottles: February 14, 2020
• Washingtonians overwhelmingly support banning single use plastic bags as the Senate votes 30-19 to pass the Reusable Bag Bill January 15, 2020
• Laws addressing recycling crisis signed by Washington Governor Jay Inslee: May 21, 2019
• Washington enacts law creating new paint recycling program: May 9, 2019
• Bag and Straw bills pass Washington State Senate: March 6, 2019.
• Statewide Reusable Bag Bill Campaign Kicks Off: November 28, 2019

Check out information about our Waste Summits here

DRAFT: Trash Assessments in Washington State: Summary of Results 2018-2021

Trash Assessments in Washington State: Summary of Results 2018-2021

• DRAFT Report: (PDF) (December 2021)
• Factsheet (Word) (December 2021)

NEW: Improving Organic Materials Management in Washington State (May, 2021)

An Assessment of the Barriers and Needs of Organic Waste Management Facilities in the State of Washington

• Report: (PDF) (May 14, 2021)
• Infographic (PDF)

The State of Residential Recycling and Organics Collection in Washington State

• Report: (PDF) (November 2019, updated September 8, 2020)
• Appendix 1 (Data in Excel file), organized by County and then City: Garbage, recycling and organics collection data (EXCEL)

PFAs in Compost

Evaluating Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Composts with Compostable Food Serviceware Products in their Feedstocks (January 2018): A study of PFAs in compost samples from across the US. March 2018.

Producer Responsibility

Poster and guide: A guide that explains producer responsibility concepts and benefits. When unfolded, this becomes a poster.

Electronics

• Zero Waste Washington’s research paper on trip assessmentfor drop-off recycling of electronics in the Puget Sound area based on Zero Waste Washington’s original research. (2016) View or download the PDF here.
• Citizen’s Guide to Producer Responsibility: This brochure tells the story of electronic waste – with and without producer responsibility.
• Electronics survey: In 2002, Zero Waste Washington commissioned a survey of King County residents that addressed electronic waste and recycling.

Unwanted Medicines

• Guide for Health Care Professionals: There are many ways to work towards preventing pharmaceutical compounds from entering the environment. You can read Zero Waste Washington’s brochure for health care professionals, which contains specific suggestions of what can be done.
• Unwanted Medicine Survey: Zero Waste Washington commissioned a 2006 survey of King County residents to gain a greater understanding of disposal practices and other issues related to unused or expired medicines. You can look at the summary of the survey or the full results.

Unwanted Medicines

• Guide for Health Care Professionals: There are many ways to work towards preventing pharmaceutical compounds from entering the environment. You can read Zero Waste Washington’s brochure for health care professionals, which contains specific suggestions of what can be done.
• Unwanted Medicine Survey: Zero Waste Washington commissioned a 2006 survey of King County residents to gain a greater understanding of disposal practices and other issues related to unused or expired medicines. You can look at the summary of the survey or the full results.

Fluorescent Lights

How to Find Environmentally Preferable Lighting: We can all make choices to purchase lights that last longer, save energy, and contain less (or no) mercury. Read this brochure (2009) to learn more about greener lighting alternatives.

Batteries

Program evaluation: The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation offers a manufacturer-funded program for collecting and recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Zero Waste Washington used a “secret shopper” approach to evaluate RBRC’s in-store program.