On December 6, 2011, Davis City Council passed a Zero Waste Resolution, setting a goal for Davis to divert 75% of waste from landfills by 2020. This makes Davis the 1st city in the Sacramento region to adopt such a resolution! Go Davis! The Davis Climate Action and Adaption Plan also set a goal for Davis to reduce waste production by 10%
In addition to Davis' extensive recycling infrastructure, the city's waste management provider, Recology, has a system for diverting green waste. Davis was a pioneer in curbside recycling pickup, and now it is one of the few cities to have a separate bin for curbside pickup of green waste to allow for city-wide composting.
When the resolution passed in 2011, Davis was redirecting 60% of its waste that otherwise would have gone into landfills. In 2017, this had increased to 63% waste diversion. In 2018, the waste management in Davis was transferred from Davis Waste Removal to Recology. Davis is ahead of most other California cities, but there is still significant progress to be made as a community to reach the 2020 goal of 75% waste diversion.
UC Davis Zero Waste Policy
UC Davis has an even more ambitious plan for reaching zero waste, explained on their sustainability webpage. To demonstrate the campus’ commitment to the waste diversion goals (like Zero Waste Events), the UCD Policy and Procedures Manual outlines the following policy goals:
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As a leader in the community, UC Davis is responsible for creating a culture of sustainability with regard to environmental policies and practices.
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UC Davis has established the following waste diversion goals:
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50% by June 30, 2008.
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75% by June 30, 2012.
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Ultimate goal of zero waste by 2020.
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