As recycling and reuse programs advance, there is an opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact on their communities by engaging in discussions about waste management with local leaders. Becoming informed and asking questions can shed light on the issue of waste reduction and change the conversation. The Solid Waste Environmental Excellence Performance (SWEEP) Standard is a valuable tool that can help influence waste management practices.
Currently, there is a lack of consistent data on waste generation, characterization, and disposal, making it difficult to compare program performance across different jurisdictions. Definitions of key terms such as recycling, recyclable materials, contamination, diversion, and renewable resources vary widely from place to place, further complicating the issue.
The Waste Generation Prevention (WGP) category of the SWEEP points system aims to encourage regular data collection and analysis using consistent definitions. This category focuses on programs that emphasize the principles of Reduce and Reuse, such as Tool Libraries and Food Rescue initiatives. Key Performance Indicators around WGP evaluate data collection, analysis of waste management activities, and the impacts of source reduction strategies.
One of the challenges in sustainable material management is addressing product manufacturing and lifecycle usage. SWEEP addresses this by encouraging local governments and waste businesses to support recycled products through their purchasing practices. Additionally, SWEEP rewards programs for environmentally preferable purchasing practices and for assessing the costs of waste management services.
SWEEP also addresses waste collection, recovery, and disposal through its Solid Waste Collection (SWC) and Post-Collection Recovery (PCR) Performance Categories. SWC focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of waste collection services, while PCR looks at material recovery rates and diversion efforts. SWEEP emphasizes worker safety, social impacts, and environmental considerations throughout the waste management process.
Overall, SWEEP aims to encourage sustainable materials management practices through data collection, analysis, and performance measurement. By incentivizing environmentally responsible behaviors and promoting transparency in waste management operations, SWEEP seeks to improve waste reduction efforts and create more sustainable communities.
