Baltimore Develops a “Zero Waste” Plan

The plan 

• distribute large recycling bins and compost containers citywide 
• pay local residents a living wage to collect recyclable materials  
• salvage construction and demolition materials 
• promote community adoption and ownership of vacant lots and buildings
• cut ties with Wheelabrator, the city’s trash incinerator 

Supporters 

a coalition of environmental and community groups and 6 Baltimore City Council members

Opposition 

Wheelabrator officials argue that burning waste at the facility is better for the environment than transporting waste to a landfill. It also generates electricity and steam to heat downtown buildings, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

The Baltimore Sun | Baltimore launches plan to get to ‘zero waste,’ starting with closure of city trash incinerator