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Pace Partners Pace Partners


Partners For A Clean Environment

Zero Waste Area of Excellence
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Performance Standard

To become a PACE Certified Zero Waste Business, businesses must demonstrate that they divery 70% of their waste from the landfill (by composting and recycling).  To demonstrate this, PACE staff will conduct an initial waste audit with the business, and then the business will complete a month long self-audit to confirm 70% diversion.

Prescriptive Measures

PACE will work with businesses to develop an implementation plan with prescriptive measures intended to move them significantly towards the performance standard. The implementation plan will be customized to address the needs and opportunities specific to the business. Businesses will be required to submit documentation to PACE that demonstrates completion of the implementation plan measures.


Potential measures to be included in the implementation plan include:

 
  • Work with PACE to identify and implement the highest priority waste reduction and purchasing measures
  • Work with PACE to develop an education plan for customers and employees to further promote and increase participation in recycling and composting
  • Waste Diversion
    • Add a Hard-to-Recycle program
    • Start a composting program
  • Chemical Management
    • Replace a hazardous material with a safer or non-hazardous one
    • Develop a formal integrated pest management plan to address indoor and landscape pest problems
    • Perform ventilation assessment and maintenance
  • Purchasing and Policy
    • Develop and implement a policy for managing outdated or unsold merchandise/equipment
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive policy creating sustainable purchasing practices focusing on reducing waste.
    • Install electric dryers, cloth towels, or roll paper towels in restrooms instead of C-fold paper towels

 

PACE staff will work with businesses to determine their current rates of diversion.  This will include reviewing data from waste haulers and assisting in conducting waste audits.  Businesses must demonstrate a diversion rate of 70% or greater (70% by weight of solid waste generated must be recycled, reused and/or composted).

 

PACE has developed these tools to help get you started on the path to Zero Waste:

Sustainable Purchasing Policy

PACE Self Reporting Waste Audit

PACE Zero Waste Assessment and Audit Form