Bring ZWZ to Your Community

Bring the economic and environmental Zero Waste Zones benefits to your community!

In partnership with the National Restaurant Association, the ZWZ are expanding across the nation working in collaboration with government, civic, non-profit, trade association and private enterprise leaders.  ZWZ development falls into three major stages:

The Assessment:

The Assessment Stage consists of an infrastructure review and evaluation of community enthusiasm necessary for a successful Zero Waste Zones launch.   

Available Infrastructure:

A gap analysis of the available infrastructure is the first component for creating a ZWZ.  Assess the available AND missing infrastructure in the following categories:

• Spent Grease (from fryers) - Determine the destination of spent grease–biofuels or other.
• Common Recycling - Assess the current infrastructure available for:
  • Cardboard – when separated, balers or dumpsters are the common collection methods.
    
  • Glass – when recycling options are not available, there are other end uses in the community.
  • Plastics/Aluminum
  • Determine if Single-Stream Recycling is offered (all components in one stream).
• Donation of Excess Food - Contact the area community food bank to understand food donation that meets the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (GSFDA).
• Food Residuals (excess food not meeting the GSFDA and kitchen scraps) - Determine if there are any composting or waste-to-energy options meeting state regulations for organics.

Recruit a ZWZ Leadership Team

Successful ZWZ programs are led in collaboration with community leaders from government, non-profits, trade associations, local business associations, universities and private enterprise.

Determine Area Zones

Route density is a key to developing solid infrastructure that makes good business sense for the recyclable material haulers. For medium to large cities, several sub-zones are recommended with territories mirroring local business association’s designated areas.  Recruit a Zone Champion within each sub-zone.

The Launch:

The Launch Stage consists of recruiting founding zone participants, developing a marketing|media plan and executing the ZWZ Launch.  A ZWZ may be launched for the entire city at once or may lead with one sub-zone launch followed by the remaining sub-zones at later dates.

Recruit Zone Participation

Community leader enthusiasm and support is a key to successful zone participation.

• Engage Zone Champions to recruit high profile and|or high volume zone participants.
• Ensure at least two to three participants meet Phase I ZWZ Criteria prior to the Zone Launch.
• Establish zone goals for number of participants and material tonnage diverted from landfills.
• Develop a prospective participant list for launch invitation.

Develop Zone Media/Public Relations Plan

Participants and the community benefit from zone media attention.

• Select a Marketing/PR Committee Chair who recruits committee members.
• Develop the media plan, including print, TV, cable, internet and social media networks.  
• Invite targeted media to the ZWZ Launch and write press release.
• Create on-line and printed zone collateral material.

The Implementation:

The Implementation Stage harnesses the enthusiasm created at the Zone Launch and channels it into building a strong zone.  The ZWZ Ambassador Program continues the participant recruiting while the metrics collection provides the basis for the continuing media strategy.

Create a ZWZ Ambassador Program

The volunteer-based ZWZ Ambassador Program utilizes local industry professionals to recruit a strong ZWZ participation base.

• Identify companies who can benefit from joining the ZWZ Ambassador Program.
• Recruit & train a pool of Ambassadors.
• Have Ambassadors recruit, welcome and assist new ZWZ participants in meeting Criteria and Pledges.

Continue Media/Public Relations Plan