Toward Zero Waste

 

The Toward Zero Waste Program reduces waste and economic barriers by empowering businesses and individuals to expand upon their network of community resources and educating them in operations that maximize source reduction. We provide personalized waste assessments, consultation services, and education for all. In addition, the Toward Zero Waste program manages the Food Recovery Program, recovering surplus edible food from restaurants and redistributing it to the community. We believe that reducing waste is the most attainable way for individuals and businesses to make a positive impact!

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Toward Zero Waste for Businesses

Whether you’re wanting to reduce waste at your business, host a Toward Zero Waste event, or looking for more information about the single-use plastics ban, we’ve got you covered

Toward Zero Waste for Multifamily Residents

Over 51% of Whatcom County residents live in a multifamily dwelling.  We have resources and offer personalized support for implementing and improving multifamily compost and recycling programs.

Food Recovery Program & Community Freedges

Work in the food industry and want to donate your surplus food to those in need? The Food Recovery Program reduces food insecurity and addresses climate change by recovering and redistributing nutritious surplus food to neighbors in need.

Local Repair Directory

Don’t throw it away, repair it today!  Find local repair options for your appliances, devices, shoes, clothes and more!

Shop our Apparel!

Supporting the Toward Zero Waste program never looked so good! A portion of all sales are given back to the program so we can continue to support our community. Order by November 30 for delivery by December 25.

Don’t know how to dispose of something? Check out WasteWise! WasteWise is a tool for Whatcom County residents to learn how to dispose of or recycle different items and which waste disposal companies serve your area. Give it a try!

Get Involved

Join us at Waste & Whatnot, a fun, casual meetup to share tools, resources, and relevant information about waste reduction locally. We welcome anyone interested in waste reduction, no matter where you are at in your waste reduction journey.
Squatch Food Waste Logo
One way to reduce your carbon footprint is by reducing food waste at home. The Squatch Food Waste program helps address climate change by encouraging people to reduce food waste at home.
Smiling people at market depot with food
Want to help distribute food in our community? Or help people properly sort their waste at community events? Volunteer to become a food recovery driver or Zero Hero! The Toward Zero Waste Program offers both ongoing and single event volunteer opportunities.
Smiling people at market depot with food
Can’t get enough Toward Zero Waste? Sign up for our monthly Toward Zero Waste newsletter to learn more about the program, upcoming events, Business spotlights, toward zero waste news, and more!
Build Small Live Large Happy Valley Video

Toward Zero Waste Resources

Looking for more ways to expand your knowledge on how to achieve Toward Zero Waste? Maybe you’re looking for materials to make your business or event reduce waste? We have a variety of resources to fit your Toward Zero Waste needs.

Toward Zero Waste staff member talking to a couple at a fundraiser event for the Food Recovery Program
Toward Zero Waste Mascot speaking at a community fundraising event
two people with food recovery tubs standing in front of the food recovery van
The back of a person’s T shirt that reads “Toward Zero Waste”

Contact us for help with signage, banners, and more!

Contact us!

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Thank you to our program sponsors:

Lautenbach Industries
Sanitary Service Company
Mt. Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living
Gear Aid