Encompassing a broad overview of Zero Waste principles and practices in 10 modules covering public policy, programs, technology and measurement, the Zero Waste Principles & Practices course provides many opportunities for discussion among instructors and participants.
For more than 40 years, the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) has been a leader in Zero Waste education in California. Joining forces with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), the CRRA offers a new professional development course that will certify professionals in Zero Waste Principles & Practices throughout North America.
The course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of rapidly emerging public and private sector Zero Waste programs and the key principles that support these programs. The course also provides tools to help draw together aspects of existing programs and new efforts into community-specific Zero Waste Programs. CRRA has hosted classes throughout California and is currently preparing its schedule for the 2020 year.
The Zero Waste Principles & Practices certification course is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability in and beyond California through Zero Waste strategies. SWANA, with its work in 45 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, is committed to educating professionals working in the industry and to moving the industry as a whole from a focus on solid waste management to resource management.
Content and Approach
The Zero Waste Principles & Practices course encompasses a broad overview of Zero Waste principles and practices in 10 modules covering public policy, programs, technology and measurement:
1. Introduction to Zero Waste, including a survey of different definitions and perspectives
2. What’s in Your Waste Stream?
3. Upstream, Midstream and Downstream: understanding Zero Waste strategies as they affect each stage of product lifestyles
4. Collections Options
5. Processing Technology Options
6. Managing Organics
7. Public Venues and Challenging Materials
8. Changing Behavior through Education and Outreach
9. Financing and Funding
10. Contracting and Partnerships
The course provides many opportunities for discussion among instructors and participants. It draws on current materials and examples from outside the published manual and engages students in several in-class exercises.
Who Will this Benefit?
Individuals and employers who will benefit from Zero Waste Principles & Practices Certification include:
• Municipal and tribal recycling and solid waste professionals
• Recycling and solid waste services providers
• Consultants and contractors serving the recycling sector
• Business and municipal sustainability professionals
• Zero Waste and sustainability community advocates
• Private and public sector policymakers
• Private/non-profit business sustainability professionals
This course focuses on developing community-specific Zero Waste plans for reducing, reusing, and recycling materials found in municipal solid waste (MSW) generated from residential, commercial and institutional sources. | WA
For more information or to register for an upcoming course, visit www.CRRA.com/Certification.