What is Zero Waste?
Zero Waste is more than an approach to waste management and recycling, it is a philosophy and a design principle.
Zero Waste Definition
“The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” ~ ZWIA (Last updated December 20th, 2018)
Our Story
Zero Waste Kauai (ZWK) was founded in 2006 by Pat Gegen and John Harder (aka the Dump Doctor) in response to a proposal in the County’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan update (ISWM Plan) to include Waste to Energy (incineration) as an option in the County’s waste management strategy.
Our Intent
Our original intent was primarily education: to expand the public’s awareness of the potential of Zero Waste Management to more effectively manage our discards, rather than employ incineration as a primary strategy… and it worked!
Our Success
As of 2020, the island of Kauai successfully diverts approximately 43% of landfill-bound waste, primarily through HI-5 Recycling programs and Green Waste Management sites, as well as food waste diversion practices such as composting and large-scale events management in partnership with ZWK.
Projects & Programs
Zero Waste Resource Guide
To educate local decision makers of the potential Zero Waste Management has to reduce costs and protect our environment, ZWK has developed and distributed a Zero Waste Resource Guide to County Council members, County Administration and State and Federal Legislators.
Event Coordination
A major element of our project has been to promote waste reduction and diversion at public events, from birthday parties and weddings to the Kaua‘i County Fair. In partnership with the Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development we have developed a powerpoint training presentation and worked with OED to require Zero Waste Management plans for all county sponsored events: