Press Release: DC Department of Public Works Seeks Public Input on Upcoming Zero Waste DC Plan

News Release — DC Department of Public Works

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 27, 2022

CONTACT: Nancee Lyons

(Washington, DC) – The Department of Public Works (DPW) Office of Waste Diversion is developing a comprehensive Zero Waste DC Plan designed to reach Mayor Bowser’s ambitious goal of diverting 80 percent of the city’s waste away from landfills and incineration by 2032.

To help shape the plan, the agency is holding a series of community engagement forums throughout the summer and fall to get input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

The Zero Waste DC Plan will identify and prioritize the specific actions, targets, and goals required for the District to achieve zero waste. It will build upon the established goals and actions outlined in the Mayor’s Sustainable DC 2.0 plan—the District’s unified strategy to improve the quality of life for residents while reducing environmental impact. Over the next five months, DPW will solicit public input on how to meet the zero waste goal by hosting 20 community engagement forums across all eight wards, and conducting two 45-day public comment periods as well as a citywide outreach campaign.

“The District has an ambitious goal to reach 80 percent waste diversion by 2032,” said Interim DPW Director Mike Carter. “To help the District reach this goal, it is critical that we develop and implement cost-effective strategies to improve waste reduction, recycling, and reuse across all eight wards. With the help of the community, the Zero Waste DC plan will do that, and much more.”

An overview schedule of community engagement forums is below. To learn more about the Zero Waste DC Plan and to access the full schedule of events and activities, please visit zerowaste.dc.gov/zwdcplan.

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