The Bowser administration, through efforts led by the D.C. Department of Public Works, released the city’s plan to achieve a more sustainable future, maximize the benefits of renewable and reuseable resources, and minimize the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions generated by residents and government agencies by diverting 80% of solid waste away from landfills and incineration.
“This is a comprehensive strategy for sustainable solid waste management aimed to inform future policy development and decision-making,” said DPW Director Timothy Spriggs. “It will require significant investment and a cohesive effort on the part of District Government and its regional partners, as well as a concerted effort by residents and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Together, we can realize our city’s zero waste goals.”
The District’s annual solid waste output averages 1.13 million tons annually—about nine pounds per resident per day—and is predicted to reach 1.4 million tons by 2038. The new DPW-driven plan outlines a series of actions and policies that together would divert almost one million tons of the District’s solid waste annually, lower the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by over one million metric tons annually, and create 300 green jobs within the local government.
Strategies include implementing refill and reuse policies citywide; adopting universal recycling and composting requirements; developing a state-of-the-art Zero Waste Campus; and reducing recycling contamination; bolstering litter reduction policies and increasing illegal dumping enforcement to protect neighborhoods, parks, and waterways.