Zero Waste Leadership Through Policy

Zero Waste is not just about individual behavior change. We will not achieve the potential of Zero Waste unless we redesign our current one-way system of rampant resource extraction and disposability toward one that is more circular, where it is easy for residents and businesses to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. We need community-wide policies that take a responsible approach to using fewer natural resources, urging participation from all sectors, putting public dollars toward conservation programs, and investing in resource recovery infrastructure. Policy starts with setting a Zero Waste goal that is supported with additional policies to achieve that goal. 

• Boulder County Commissioners passed a Zero Waste resolution in 2005. The ultimate goal of Boulder County’s Zero Waste Plan is to design systems that eliminate the production of waste and achieve Zero Waste or “darn near” by 2025. Read the county resolution.  
• In 2006, Boulder City Council passed a Zero Waste resolution with a goal of 85% waste diversion from the landfill by 2025. Read the City of Boulder resolution.
• The City of Longmont adopted a Zero Waste resolution in October 2008 and updated it in 2022. Read the City of Longmont’s updated Zero Waste resolution.

Boulder County and its municipalities have many Zero Waste policies in place, with more proposed for the near future. Explore the pages below to learn about these campaigns as well as those in other Colorado communities and at the state level.