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Waste, Resources and Materials Management
Incorporating sustainability into waste management requires municipalities to shift the focus from waste disposal to efficiently using resources and materials. Promoting highest value resource and material use at the residential and municipal levels reduces waste and saves money. Developing an effective Resource, Waste and Material Management Plan (formally known as Solid Waste Management Plan) integrates waste reduction, repurposing, reusing, recycling, and diversion which can reduce investment, operation and maintenance costs, conserve resources, materials and energy and improve resident health and wellbeing.
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Municipal Generated Solid WasteReducing solid waste in municipal properties can lead to significant cost savings through more effective use of raw materials and decreased hauling and disposal fees. The most effective way to reduce waste is to create a Resource, Waste and Materials Management Plan using the results of a waste audit. Types of solid waste within a building include trash, recyclables, organics, e-waste, and hazardous waste. Best Practices
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Community Generated WasteReducing solid waste generated in the community can lead to significant cost savings through decreased hauling and disposal fees. The most effective way to reduce waste is through Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM), a comprehensive waste prevention, recycling, composting, and disposal program for communities. An effective ISWM system considers how to prevent, recycle, and manage solid waste in ways that most effectively protect human health and the environment. Best Practices
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Community EngagementCommunity engagement is a critical component of successfully implementing new programs in a community. When residents and businesses understand the benefits of introducing new programs, projects, or practices into the community and the financial and community benefits that can result they are more inclined to participate and adjust. Best Practices
Best Practices and Cost Benefit Information
RESOURCES
CASE STUDIES
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Managing and Transforming Waste Streams – A Tool for Communities
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Best Practices in Municipal Waste Contracting
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Additional Resources Under Topic Best Practices
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TRAINING
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Municipal Guide Training
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Community Round Table
Partnered with:
The Waukesha County Green team received a grant from the Mosaic Momentum Initiative. This grant was awarded through the Mosaic environmental movement infrastructure grant slate, which is supporting 21 projects involving 91 organizations across 27 states working on clean air and water, a safe climate, and healthy and just communities.