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Take Advantage of the Available Resources
EPA has developed a variety of resources (e.g., calculators, targeted programs, technical guidance, etc.) to assist municipalities seeking to reduce their waste stream and mitigate their climate impact. To learn more about resources available to WasteWise members, visit the Benefits page.
- The WasteWise Web site (www.epa.gov/wastewise) offers publications and information resources to assist you in the design, implementation, and tracking of your waste reduction efforts.
- EPA has developed several Climate Change and Waste Calculators, which are all available online. EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) translates waste reduction data into greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions data. EPA designed WARM to compare baseline waste management practices (source reduction, recycling, composting, landfilling, and combusting) to alternative waste management practices in order to capture waste reduction’s impact on GHG emissions. The Durable Goods Calculator calculates greenhouse gas and energy savings from more effective management of appliance solid waste. The Recycled Content Tool (ReCon) examines the greenhouse gas and energy implications of purchasing products with higher levels of recycled content.
- WasteWise creates personalized Climate Profiles for Partners who submit their WasteWise annual report. The Climate Profiles use data from WARM (see above) to provide user-friendly, graphics-enhanced information on how Partners’ waste reduction programs translate into greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
- The Annual WasteWise & National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) Conference recognizes Partners’ achievements and creates an opportunity for networking, information sharing, and celebrating successes. Get more information on the upcoming conference, or view past WasteWise Presentations by innovative community leaders.
- The WasteWise Helpline provides Partners and Endorsers with free technical assistance to help design, implement, report, and evaluate cost-effective waste reduction programs. You may contact the WasteWise Helpline at 1-800-EPA-WISE and WasteWise@icfi.com.
- Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs charge residents for the collection of municipal solid waste—ordinary household trash—based on the amount they throw away. PAYT (also known as variable rate pricing or unit-based pricing) breaks with traditional waste collection by treating trash services just like electricity, gas, and other utilities. Households pay a variable rate which creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and to generate less waste. EPA’s PAYT program provides tools and resources available online.
- Full Cost Accounting (FCA) is a systematic approach for identifying, summing, and reporting the actual costs of solid waste management. FCA takes into account past and future outlays, overhead costs, and operating costs. While cash flow accounting recognizes costs when cash is actually paid, FCA focuses on the flow of assets and recognizes costs as resources are used or committed, regardless of when money is actually spent. This focus on assets includes social and environmental costs typically excluded or “hidden” from accounting. Learn more about Full Cost Accounting.
- Resource Management (RM) compensates waste contractors based on performance in achieving your organization's waste reduction goals, as opposed to traditional solid waste contracts which compensate based on the volume of waste disposed. As a result, RM aligns waste contractor incentives with your own goals as you both explore innovative approaches that foster cost-effective resource efficiency through prevention, recycling, and recovery. Research to date demonstrates that RM is widely applicable in business, institutional, and municipal settings. More information, including a sample RM contract, can be found at the WasteWise Resource Management page.
- The GreenScapes program provides cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions for landscaping that preserve natural resources and prevent waste and pollution. GreenScapes is a free, voluntary EPA partnership that provides support to companies, government agencies, and nonprofits adopting GreenScapes activities into their landscaping practices. Visit the GreenScapes Cost Calculators web page to learn more about best practices and to use the GreenScapes calculators.
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