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Guelph, Ontario (Canada)
Imagine setting out only two bins at the curb on your trash or recycling day: one for
"Wet" materials and one for "Dry." That's exactly what residents of Guelph, Ontario are doing.
By developing a unique sorting system capable of handling the ENTIRE residential waste stream,
including compostable organic materials, the City of Guelph has taken recycling to the next
level and is recovering well over 50% of its waste. back to top
Sweden
In 1999, the Swedish parliament approved 15 environmental goals leading towards the creation
of a sustainable society within one generation. The goals call for the attainment and maintenance
of clean air, unpolluted groundwater, living lakes and waterways, vibrant wetlands, a balanced
salt-water environment, an ecologically healthy coastline, balanced use of fertilizers, living
forests, healthy alpine ecosystems, a good built environment and a rich landscape, a poison-free
environment, an intact and protective ozone layer, limited human-induced climate change, and no
deleterious acidification or radiation effects. back to top
Brazil
One of the world leaders in aluminum can recycling, Brazil continues to develop strong waste
minimization legislation aimed at protecting environmental quality. Brazilian government
agencies are currently working on legislation that will create both a National Waste Policy
and a National Industrial Policy for Recycling; binding resolutions on the recycling of
batteries and tires; and a means of requiring producer responsibility for the recycling of
plastic and other packaging materials. back to top
Argentina
In recent years Argentina has developed a national solid waste policy (in comparison to the
US, which has no such policy!) and has set ambitious targets for the recovery, recycling, and
reuse of all household wastes. One recent Argentinean bill, if passed into law, would designate
all non-recyclable, non-reusable packaging as hazardous waste! back to top
Canberra, Australia
Probably the largest city on the planet to formally adopt a Zero Waste plan, Canberra,
Australia (pop. 300,000) aims to eliminate the city's two landfills by the year 2010 and
replace them with comprehensive "recycling estates." back to top
New Zealand
More than a quarter of all the territorial local authorities in New Zealand have an ambitious
plan: Zero Waste by the year 2015. Each city or district making this commitment receives $25,000
from the Zero Waste New Zealand Trust to research the best methods for reducing landfilling in
their area. Localities are encouraged to develop community-based recycling and waste reduction
projects that conserve resources, minimize waste disposal costs, and create jobs. back to top
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