How one city achieved zero waste goals

Discover how a city successfully implemented zero waste strategies through recycling, composting, and community engagement.

Company name

Carolyn Ortiz

Location

Cedar Ridge, NC

Industry

Waste Management

Scope of Work

Zero-waste policy implementation, waste diversion programs
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Faced with overflowing landfills and rising waste management costs, the city set an ambitious goal: to achieve zero waste within a decade. What followed was a city-wide transformation driven by policy innovation, community engagement, and strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure. Next came a robust composting system.

The foundation of the initiative was a mandatory waste separation and recycling program. Every household and business was provided with color-coded bins for compostables, recyclables, and landfill waste. The city enforced strict sorting rules, supported by educational campaigns and regular inspections. Participation soared as citizens began to understand the environmental and economic benefits of waste reduction.

Investment in a state-of-the-art material recovery facility allowed for high-efficiency sorting of recyclables, while a reuse center promoted circular economy practices by repairing and redistributing electronics, furniture, and textiles.

The challenge

Faced with overflowing landfills and rising waste management costs, the city aimed to become a zero-waste model. However, legacy systems and consumer habits posed major hurdles:

  • Poor waste segregation at source
  • Heavy reliance on landfilling
  • Low recycling and composting rates
  • Lack of extended producer responsibility
  • Limited public engagement

Our Solution

The city rolled out a comprehensive zero-waste strategy that combined strict regulations, innovative waste processing, and widespread public involvement.

  • Mandatory Waste Segregation

Color-coded bin systems and strict enforcement ensured households.

  • Citywide Composting Program

Collected organic waste was converted into compost.

  • Community Education

Launched interactive apps, workshops, and school programs to promote.

Key results & impact

The implementation of UrbanNest Home’s green logistics strategy delivered measurable and lasting results. Most notably, the company achieved a 40% reduction in carbon emissions from last-mile deliveries.

Planted trees to restore biodiversity

50K

Reduction in logistics costs

200+

No items found.

Elena Martinez

Greenfield Municipality

Elena Martinez played a pivotal role in Greenfield’s journey to becoming a zero-waste city. Through her leadership, the city launched a comprehensive waste diversion strategy—including city-wide composting.

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