Zero Waste Resources

Zero Waste Organizations

The following is a list of organizations working towards the advancement of zero waste principles, practices, and programs within government and business.

• Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA). ZWIA promotes positive alternatives to landfill and incineration across the globe through community awareness and outlining of the definitions and principles of zero waste.
• Zero Waste USA (ZWUSA). ZWUSA is a major hub of the zero waste movement, providing tools like the ZW community toolkit, training and recognition programs, and convening events.
• Zero Waste Youth USA. Zero Waste Youth USA is a group of students and young professionals championing zero waste concepts and plans in their schools and communities and empowering youth to conserve our natural resources.
• Zero Waste Brain Trust (ZWBT). ZWBT is a coalition of resource management professionals intent on collecting and cultivating game-changing concepts, and developing a system of municipal policies, requests for proposal (RFP), contracts, ordinances, and incentives for zero waste.
• Eco-Cycle Solutions Hub. Eco-Cycle provides simplified tools and campaigns to achieve Zero Waste goals focused on local government, community infrastructure, businesses, and events.
• Green Sports Alliance. The Green Sports Alliance offers resources for sports teams, leagues, and facilities striving for zero waste.
• Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). ILSR provides innovative strategies, working models, and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development. Their Waste to Wealth initiative creates reports and data on economic growth via recycling and composting.
• US Environmental Protection Agency Transforming Waste Streams. An interactive and focused tool to help communities plan for less waste that, includes 100 policies and programs communities can implement, in an interactive and focused tool.

Zero Waste Certifications & Education

• California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA). CRRA promotes zero waste practices with conferences, technical resources, and certification programs in California. They have partnered with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) to deliver a “Zero Waste Principles & Practices” Certification Program for solid waste professionals, recycling coordinators, consultants, sustainability officers, and private and public employees.
• Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE). A zero waste rating system, formally run by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council and now administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), that certifies business and professionals in zero waste.
• Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Cradle to Cradle Institute administers the publicly available Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard, which provides designers and manufacturers with criteria and requirements for continually improving what products are made of and how they are made.
• National Recycling Coalition (NRC). The NRC holds events and workshops highlighting zero waste best practices and case studies.
• GreenEducation.US. GreenEducation.US offers courses related to recycling, resource management, and zero waste.
• Santa Monica College’s Recycling and Resource Management (RRM) Certificate. The RRM program is a 12 or 18 unit certificate program for students interested in sustainability and zero waste. It offers skills and training for relevant jobs in the public and private sectors.
• Irvine Valley College’s Sustainability & Resource Management (SRM) Program. The SRM curriculum explores recycling and resource management from a variety of perspectives, providing students with an in-depth study of waste and resource management for a 12 or 18 unit Certificate.
• Orange Coast College’s Environmental Resource Management (ERM) Certification ProgramPDF download. The ERM program is designed to provide education and training for individuals interested in working in the recycling and resource management/green jobs sector. Curriculum will provide students with a general knowledge of environmental resource management emphasizing cultural, community, business and educational applications.
• UCLA Extension’s Recycling and Solid Waste Management Certificate. This is a six-course program designed for public and private sector employees seeking to learn about the waste and recycling industry and relevant policies, practices, and technologies.
• Forester Network. Forrester Network offers education and resources for professionals in the solid waste and recycling fields.
• DeAnza College’s Environmental Resource Management and Pollution Prevention Program. In this career-oriented program, students are trained in the interrelated fields of Environmental Resource Management & Pollution Control and Prevention and Cleanup, addressing air, water & land pollution, hazardous waste & hazardous materials, trash & garbage, and climate change. The training received is multidisciplinary, covering the areas of law/regulation, public health, economics, and science and technology, and includes coursework covering a variety of practical management tools that employers look for. Two certificate programs (18 units and 29 units) and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree (90 units) are offered.
• Los Angeles Trade-Tech College’s Solid Waste Management Technology ProgramPDF download. The program is designed for any interested individuals seeking to learn the most updated information in recycling and solid waste management. The program addresses environmental, technological, political, legal, planning and economic aspects of recycling and solid waste management policies. A 24 unit Certificate of Achievement is available.

For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov