To achieve progress in a zero waste goal in Houston, our team developed solutions for both organic and product waste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Policies:

Research has led us to tackle organic waste by harvesting methane from organic material through installing anaerobic digesters to Houston’s largest wastewater treatment plant which also happens to be the third largest in the nation.

 

On the product side of things, we propose that Houston restructures its collection methods to implement city wide residential split-cart collection. The new collection method will increase amount recovered of plastics, paper and metals while minimizing problems associated with recycling such as contamination. It is the simplest method to increase the yields of all three materials. This plan would be supplemented through contracts with manufacturers  to purchase waste plastic in order to offset costs.

 

Both plans would be funded through a unique tax plan. Additionally, each plan would need educational programs to supplement its efforts and to increase knowledge within the public about the new initiatives. These educational programs would also be funded through the tax plan and also through profits from both initiatives.

Together the policies would offset waste going to landfills, loss of profits in recycling, and reduce emissions associated with waste.