Waste and Recycling

Zero Waste Plan

Client: Chicago, IL

Cascadia worked with the City of Chicago to guide development of a Zero Waste strategy. Cascadia’s efforts included researching existing Zero Waste models domestically and abroad, identifying possible Zero Waste definitions for consideration by the City of Chicago, and evaluating strategies to measure progress towards the definitions identified. Furthermore, Cascadia worked to identify new market opportunities for Chicago businesses in a Zero Waste economy, quantified the economic benefits of these opportunities, and identified specific regional businesses that could lead the way.

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Cascadia began to immediately overhaul the way Resource Venture services were marketed, delivered, and tracked; ultimately resulting in superior outcomes. Among the dramatic changes we noted were (1) an increased level of accountability; (2) a more strategic focus; and (3) service documentation that demonstrated a more effective and efficient program. In particular, Cascadia’s “targeting and tracking” database made it possible to focus on the biggest commercial resources users with the greatest potential for conservation, and then measure their progress over time. The program’s unique targeted approach is extremely cost-effective; Cascadia has helped reduce the City’s program costs from about $100/ton diverted in 2006 to about $45/ton in 2008.

- Phil Paschke, Seattle Public Utilities