Residents play an important role in helping San Francisco combat climate change by sending less waste to landfill. Recology and the San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFE) are excited to support the Waste Zero Champion program in apartment buildings, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. Waste Zero Champions increase participation in recycling and composting programs, and we encourage you to get involved!
What is a Waste Zero Champion?
Waste Zero Champions are volunteers responsible for maintaining and promoting waste reduction habits. Their primary duties include:
- Educating others about waste sorting by becoming familiar with Recology and SFE resources (found below).
- Hosting a training at their apartment building, workplace, or school by inviting a Recology speaker for a virtual presentation, showing a series of videos, or coordinating a virtual tour.
- Posting signage around their building or on bins to inform others on proper sorting practices.
- Volunteering with zero waste organizations to take direct action. Opportunities to get involved are highlighted in our monthly newsletter!
Why should you become a Waste Zero Champion?
- Push San Francisco toward a sustainable future by advocating for zero waste through resource recovery.
- Fight climate change by reducing methane emissions when materials are diverted from landfill.
- Save money on waste bills by recycling and composting correctly.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Upcoming Events:
Recology Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Join us for a special tour of Recology! Recology will be hosting a Waste Zero Champion tour of our recycling facility and transfer station from 10 AM – 12:30 PM! Come down and see in person how Recology deals with the entire city of San Francisco’s discards using a combination of human and robotic sorters, magnets, AI technology, and more. If you’ve ever wondered where your recycling goes after you deposit it in the blue bin, or what happens to that banana peel you put in the compost, save yourself a spot on our tour! Email us at wastezerosf@recology.com
Waste Zero Resources:
Below are helpful resources to share best practices with peers, neighbors, and coworkers.
Intro to waste sorting in San Francisco
Common FAQs about recycling and composting
Where do San Francisco’s recyclables go?
SF Recycles: look up the right bin for your item
Print recycling and composting signs or make your own
How to Apply:
Interested in becoming a Waste Zero Champion? Email wastezerosf@recology.com.
By signing up, you are pledging to reduce waste in your residence, workplace, or school and join a growing community of over 400 zero-waste motivators in San Francisco.