About the Zero Waste DC Plan

With the introduction of the Sustainable DC Plan in 2013, the District of Columbia adopted an ambitious Zero Waste goal for the city: to divert 80 percent of solid waste away from landfill and waste-to-energy. This commitment was then codified into law through the enactment of the Sustainable Solid Waste Amendment Act of 2014, requiring the District to develop a Zero Waste plan to achieve this goal.

After 7 years of diligent planning and research, the Office of Waste Diversion is now ready to solicit input from the community in support the development of the Zero Waste DC Plan.

A comprehensive Zero Waste DC Plan will identify the mix of policies, programs, and actions that the city must take to achieve Zero Waste at all levels – from investing more in education and outreach, incentivizing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, to rethinking the built-environment to provide more equitable access and increase waste diversion potential.

Waste diversion has real benefits for the District at all levels:

Individual: Individuals benefit from reducing waste at its source by taking actions like eliminating single-use plastics and embracing reuse. Reducing waste at its source results in less litter and pollution in our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways.

Neighborhood: Communities will benefit from clean, litter-free streets and access to clean and attractive green spaces. The development of a circular economy spurs job growth, attracts business investment, and provides valued goods and services for all to enjoy.

Citywide: By separating the District’s waste into identifiable and clean streams, we collectively help to conserve our planet’s natural resources, reduce greenhouse gases, fight climate change, and build resilience from within.

To view the initial draft framework released in August and the current revised draft framework, click on the attached document below.