What is Zero Waste?
The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) is the source of the only peer-reviewed, internationally-accepted definition of Zero Waste. Revised for brevity on October 29, 2018, this is ZWIA’s current definition of Zero Waste:
Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of all products, packaging, and materials without burning them, and without discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.
With the development of the Missoula Zero Waste Resolution in February 2016, the City of Missoula adopted an earlier and lengthier version of the ZWIA definition of Zero Waste. Adherence to this definition aligns the City’s ZERO by FIFTY initiative with the global Zero Waste movement and guides future Zero Waste efforts in the city.
ZWIA recognizes communities and businesses that divert 90% or more of their waste stream from landfills and incinerators as Zero Waste. Communities worldwide are committing to Zero Waste goals. These communities are creating business opportunities, implementing Zero Waste programs and infrastructure, raising public awareness and participation in waste reduction activities, and building local climate resilience. From Missoula to Manila and countless places in between, individuals are adopting Zero Waste practices, habits, and lifestyles while small businesses are helping lead the way with services to make this cultural shift possible.