C1.1: Meet Highest and Best Use for 80% of Materials by Weight

(1 point)

INTENT

To ensure highest and best use of materials is explored prior to recycling.

REQUIREMENTS

Identify which categories of materials are generated at the facility (see below). Identify the highest and best use for each material generated at the facility. Demonstrate that 80% of materials, by weight, are meeting the highest and best use. If 80% of all materials generated by weight consists of one material only, the next 3 largest waste streams by weight must also meet highest and best use. Highest and Best Use: The end use of a discarded material that recovers the highest value of its embodied energy. Highest and best use is evaluated according to the following hierarchy from ZWIA: 1. Reuse of a product or material for its original purpose, an alternate purpose, or reuse of its parts 2. Recycling of inorganic materials in closed loop systems or single-use applications 3. Composting or mulching of organic materials to sustain soils, avoid use of chemical fertilizers, or reduce erosion and litter and retain moisture

POTENTIAL STRATEGIES

Review materials generated in the facility’s operation across all 12 Master Categories of Commodities/Discards. Look for opportunities to reduce, reuse and upcycle materials prior to recycling. Increase awareness and engage employees creatively though contests or other initiatives to further identify opportunities available in area. Below are the 12 Master Categories:

1. Reusables
2. Paper
3. Plant trimmings
4. Putrescible/food
5. Polymers
6. Wood
7. Ceramics
8. Textiles
9. Soils
10. Metals
11. Glass
12. Chemicals

SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTATION

• Narrative describing which categories are applicable to the facility. For each of those categories, narrative must describe how it meets highest and best use.
• Calculations showing that 80% of materials at the facility, by weight, are following the highest and best use. If 80% of all materials generated by weight consists of one material only, the next 3 largest waste streams by weight must also meet highest and best use.

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