san francisco waste management case study

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Zero Waste Case Study: San Francisco

San Francisco Department of the Environment Jack Macy Zero Waste Senior Coordinator ( [email protected] ) (415) 355-3751

Recology Anthony Crescenti General Manager ( [email protected] ) (415) 575-2423

Partnership

Contractual agreement, disadvantages/omissions.

In 2002, San Francisco adopted a goal of 75% diversion by 2010 and a long-term goal of zero waste. It exceeded the first goal two years early, soon recovering over 80% and cutting its disposal in half. The city initiated its Environment Code in 2003 based on the Precautionary Principle . It adopted a Construction and Demolition Debris Recovery Ordinance in 2006 requiring the recovery of C&D materials.

The city's Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance , passed in 2009, requires everyone in San Francisco keep recyclables, compostables and trash separated. In 2018, San Francisco updated its zero waste commitments to reducing solid waste generation 15% and disposal to landfill or incineration again 50% by 2030.

In 2018, the Commission on the Environment also adopted a resolution (pdf)  outlining the Department of the Environment's commitment to racial equity and announcing its Racial Equity Initiative. The City and County of San Francisco recognized the need for a cohesive and coordinated approach to addressing racial inequities and, in 2019, adopted an ordinance (pdf) creating an Office of Racial Equity and mandating departments develop Racial Equity Action Plans.

San Francisco implemented an innovative three-stream citywide residential and commercial collection program , with separate bins and a full range of size and frequency options, for commingled recyclables; compostables, including all food scraps, soiled paper and plant trimmings; and any remaining trash. Outreach uses lots of images and is done in Chinese, Spanish and other languages with customer service being able to communicate in almost any language.

Zero Waste… is the highest and best use of resources--eliminating waste throughout the product lifecycle where nothing goes to landfill or high temperature destruction. We create policies and programs that prevent waste and promote recycling and composting. SF Environment is doing all we can to make zero waste a reality.

The city implemented the first and largest urban food scraps composting collection program in the U.S. serving essentially every generator. San Francisco has collected more than two million tons of material and turned it into compost used by local orchards, vineyards and farmers.

San Francisco continues to develop and implement innovative initiatives including:

• Climate Action Goals and Planning (pdf)
• Checkout Bag Charge and Recyclable or Compostable Pre-Checkout Bag Ordinance
• Polystyrene Foam and the Food Service and Packaging Waste Reduction Ordinance
• Plastic, Litter, and Toxics Reduction Law
• Refuse Separation Law
• Customizable Sign Maker
• Disaster Debris Planning and Exercises

San Francisco actively participates in leading zero waste and climate organizations including the:

• California Resource Recovery Association
• Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance
• Bay Area Deconstruction Workgroup
• Pacific Coast Collaborative , and
• West Coast Climate and Materials Management Forum

San Francisco has a unique long-term refuse (recyclables, compostables and trash) ordinance where the city sets rates. The ordinance created a permit system to collect refuse for a charge and over time Recology acquired all the permits. The service provider develops infrastructure and provides collection, processing and reporting. The city provides direction and oversight. Most outreach is coordinated. To ensure success, San Francisco and Recology managers maintain regular communication and meet often to review operations, tasks and performance, and resolve any outstanding issues. A permit is not required to collect refuse with commercial value. Construction and demolition materials are not refuse and are governed by that ordinance.

• Strong Leadership: Strong political leadership and staff expertise have resulted in innovative policy, programs and incentives with extensive outreach in all sectors.
• Continuity and Rate Setting Support Collaboration and Adaptability: Periodic rate applications fund infrastructure, operations and programs with evolving pay-as-you-throw rate structures and additional funding mechanisms between processes. This allows the city and service provider to work more collaboratively on programmatic development. Not conducting procurement processes or managing contracts facilitates long-term planning and adaptability. Overseeing essentially one primary service provider simplifies administration, communications, information gathering and reporting.
• Rewards Generators and Service Provider for Reducing Waste: Businesses and residences are incentivized to reduce generation, and recycle and compost, and Recology is incentivized to reduce disposal.
• Dependent on Ratemaking Process: The ratemaking process is very complex, time consuming and resource intensive.
• Limited Competition: The refuse ordinance restricts competition on refuse without commercial value but has delivered efficient, leading zero waste programs.
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Managing and Transforming Waste Streams – A Tool for Communities

Zero waste case study: san francisco, contact information.

San Francisco Department of the Environment Robert Haley ([email protected]) Zero Waste Manager (415) 355-3752 SF Department of the Environment

Recology, Inc . Paul Guisti ([email protected]) Community and Government Affairs Manager (415) 715-6229 Recology

Partnership

Contractual agreement, disadvantages/omissions.

In 2002, San Francisco set a goal of 75% diversion by 2010 and in 2003 Zero Waste by 2020. The city's comprehensive Environment Code , created in 2003, is based on the Precautionary Principle . The city's Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance , passed in 2009, requires all of San Francisco to separate recyclable materials, compostable materials and landfilled trash.

San Francisco implemented an innovative " Fantastic Three " three stream citywide residential and commercial curbside collection program that includes separate collection of commingled recyclables; compostable materials, including all food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings; and any remaining trash in three separate bins with various size and rate options.

The city implemented the first and largest urban food scraps composting collection program in the U.S., covering both commercial and residential sectors. San Francisco has collected more than two million tons of food scraps, yard trimmings, and other compostable materials and turned it into compost that is used by local farmers and wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties.

• ​Setting a Zero Waste Goal
• Reduce upstream waste through material management and producer responsibility policies
• Single Use Plastic Checkout Bag Ban
• Food Service Waste Reduction Ordinance (banning polystyrene and other non-recyclable, non-compostable food service items)
• Zero Waste Textile Initiative
• Customizable Signs for recycling, composting and landfilling
• Construction and Demolition Debris Recovery Ordinance
• Event Recycling and Composting Requirement
• Cigarette Litter Abatement Ordinance (PDF) (18 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF )

Instead of a contract, San Francisco and Recology, Inc. have a unique long-term ordinance where the city sets and approves the rates. The city's 1932 refuse ordinance regulates collectors of discarded materials through 97 exclusive permit areas. Over time, Recology and its predecessor companies purchased all of the permits, resulting in the company becoming the exclusive collector of discarded materials for a fee within the city limits.

The city provides oversight, research and outreach while the service provider develops infrastructure, provides collection, processing and reporting. To insure success, San Francisco and Recology senior program managers maintain regular communication and often meet weekly to oversee performance, review tasks and resolve outstanding issues.

• Strong Policy Leadership: Strong political leadership and staff expertise have resulted in innovative policy initiatives, including: ordinances requiring mandatory recycling and composting , plastic bag ban and checkout bag charge , compostable or recyclable food service ware and polystyrene foam ban , cigarette butt fee (PDF) (18 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF ) and state-of-the-art outreach programs covering residences, commercial, schools and events.
• Approving and Setting Residential Refuse Rates Supports Collaboration and Flexibility: Under the 1932 Refuse Collection and Disposal Initiative Ordinance, San Francisco's Director of Department of Public Works is responsible for reviewing the rate applications for any adjustments to residential refuse rates. Public hearings are held and a report is issued, recommending whether the rates are just and reasonable. Typically, a rate application is submitted every three to five years. This allows the city and service provider to work collaboratively on programmatic development for several years between rate-making processes. Not conducting procurement processes or managing contracts and overseeing only one service provider simplifies administration, communications and information gathering. It allows programmatic flexibility, long-term planning and collaboration
• Rewards Generators and Service Provider for Reducing Waste: Businesses receive a rate discount based on actual diversion, providing strong financial incentives reduce waste, recycle and compost.
• Dependent on Rate-making Process: Since there is no contractual agreement, the city works with the service provider through the rate-making process and ongoing oversight.
• Limited Competition: The city's ordinance was affirmed by voters in 2012. The ordinance clearly limits competition; however, strong zero waste programs are currently being delivered.

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Managing & Transforming Waste Streams Tool

• Managing Waste Streams
• How to Use the Tool
• Terms & Definitions
• Filter Descriptions and Qualitative Rankings
• Map of Featured Cities and Counties
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• Browse by Topic
• Examples and Resources (#1-50)
• Examples and Resources (#51-100)
• Berkeley, CA
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• Seattle, WA
• Full Contracts and Agreements
• Contracting Best Practices
• Procurement Process Best Practices
• Local Government Clauses

San Francisco’s Zero Waste 2020 target

Jump to a section.

The initiative

The challenge

The public impact

• Stakeholder engagement Strong
• Political commitment Strong
• Public confidence Fair
• Clarity of objectives Strong
• Feasibility Good
• Management Good
• Measurement Good
• Alignment Good

Bibliography

The legislation that enacted San Francisco's intention was Resolution No. 002-03-COE - March 6, 2003. It states that “the Commission on the Environment adopts a date for achieving zero waste to landfill by 2020 and directs the Department of the Environment to develop policies and programs to achieve zero waste ... in order that all discarded materials be diverted from landfill through recycling, composting or other means.” [1]

In the same year, 2003, San Francisco rolled out “the Fantastic Three”, in which it uses black, blue, and green carts for trash, recycling, and composting, respectively. By 2012, the city had become “a global leader in waste management. It has already achieved 77 percent waste diversion, the highest in the United States, with a three-pronged approach: enacting strong waste reduction legislation, partnering with a like-minded waste management company ... and working to create a culture of recycling and composting through incentives and outreach.” [2] (The city does not own its own landfill. It contracted with Waste Management to provide a landfill site in Altamont, California in 1987.)

Stakeholder engagement

There is close coordination between the city corporation, Recology, the union workforce and the citizens of San Francisco, who are the major stakeholders in achieving the waste reduction targets.

“The city's waste is regulated primarily by the San Francisco Department of Public Works and Public Health. The Department of Environment (SFE) is responsible for reaching the city's zero waste goals. SFE works closely with Recology ... SFE's Zero Waste team focuses on outreach, implementation of city-mandated recycling programs in sectors, and advancing waste reduction policy at the local and state level.” [4]

In 2009, after residents and businesses became accustomed to voluntary composting, the city introduced Ordinance 100-09 (The Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance), amending the San Francisco Public Works and Health Codes. It required “all persons located in San Francisco to separate recyclables, compostables and landfilled trash, and participate in recycling and composting programs”. [5]

Political commitment

Public confidence

Clarity of objectives

The overall objective of the programme - achieving zero - waste by 2020 is exceptionally clearly expressed. The detailed objectives of the programme were stated in the policy document prepared by the city corporation:

• “Urging The Mayor And The Board Of Supervisors Of The City And County Of San Francisco To Adopt A Goal Of 75% Landfill Diversion By The Year 2010. [7]
• To Adopt A Goal Of Zero Waste By 2020.”

Also they were clearly measurable, although there is some debate about what the actual waste figures are.

Feasibility

The Zero Waste programme is legally feasible because the city has enacted a series of legislative measures to achieve the goal. There is a dedicated team in place to oversee the implementation and working of the programme along with partners to support in waste collection and disposal.

San Francisco has developed a robust collection and pricing scheme with Recology. It also has “a thriving informal recycling sector, thanks to the statewide bottle bill that places a 5 or 10 cent value on glass and plastic bottles and over 20 recycling centers in the city where residents or collectors can redeem them”. [8]

Measurement

The landfill capacity, the amount of waste generated annually and the proportion of recycling were the yardsticks to measure the progress of the programme. The 2010 measurements of these indicators included the following:

• San Francisco ‘landfilled' 15 percent less in 2010 than it did in 2009.
• Disposal in 2010 was approximately half what it was in 2000.
• In 2010, San Franciscans each generated 1.7 kg of waste, 77 percent of which was recycled.

San Francisco, USA: Creating a Culture of Zero Waste, Virali Gokaldas, June 2012, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (Gaia)

San Francisco closer to turning zero-waste ambition into reality, Alexandre Pouchard, 17 June 2014, The Guardian

CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1989, Recycling, Imperial County, California

Legislation, SF Environment

Resolution Setting Zero Waste Date, 6 March 2003, SF Environment

San Francisco on Track to Become Zero Waste City, 25 January 25 2013, PBS NewsHour

The Public Impact Fundamentals - A framework for successful policy

This case study has been assessed using the Public Impact Fundamentals, a simple framework and practical tool to help you assess your public policies and ensure the three fundamentals - Legitimacy, Policy and Action are embedded in them.

Learn more about the Fundamentals and how you can use them to access your own policies and initiatives.

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C40 Good Practice Guides: San Francisco - Zero Waste by 2020

The Zero Waste Program is a policy initiative to reduce waste and increase access to recycling and composting. ix Zero waste is defined by San Francisco as sending nothing to landfill or for high-temperature destruction (incineration). Instead of waste being sent to landfill or incineration, products are designed and used according to the principle of highest and best use, and the waste reduction hierarchy: prevent waste – reduce and reuse, recycle, and compost (in that order). By becoming a zero waste city, San Francisco aims to achieve three goals: conserve valuable resources, reduce environmental impacts – such as climate change resulting from methane emitted by landfill – and help create green jobs.

As a result of this programme, landfill disposal in San Francisco is now at its lowest level in decades, with a mid-2013 rate of 80% diversion of waste from landfill (1,593,830 tons in 2010) up from 35% in 1990, helping the city set a North American record for recycling and composting. x Through the number of measures and initiatives introduced, xi San Francisco has already reached a 78% recycling rate, collected 300 tons/day of food scraps in what is the largest urban food scraps composting programme in the U.S., and has decreased the use of plastic bags by 100 million per year. Reduction in landfill waste results in GHG emissions savings, contributing towards San Francisco’s carbon reduction goal of 80% by 2050.

Reasons for success

When the Altamont landfill closure was approaching, San Francisco seized the opportunity to take an alternative sustainable path, underlined by a thorough cost-benefit analysis, taking into account the co-benefits of the 3R approach (reuse-reduce-recycle) and the true costs of landfill and incineration. xii From the start, the project defined an ambitious vision and set of goals, as well as measurable milestones to track progression. Additionally, clear communication with citizens xiii made the programme understandable and easy to participate in, ensuring continuously improving results. 

C40 Good Practice Guides

C40's  Good Practice Guides  offer mayors and urban policymakers roadmaps for tackling climate change, reducing climate risk and encouraging sustainable urban development. With 100 case studies taken from cities of every size, geography and stage of development around the world, the Good Practice Guides provide tangible examples of climate solutions that other cities can learn from. 

The Waste to Resources Good Practice Guide is available for download here .  The full collection of C40 Good Practice Guides is available for download here .  

All references can be found in the full guide.

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C40 Good Practice Guides: Bogotá – Zero Waste Program

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Zero Waste San Francisco: A food systems approach to waste management

When San Francisco started to reimagine its waste management system, city officials knew that food waste needed to be a central pillar in their plan. It was 2003, and the American city had just released its comprehensive Environment Code. Alongside was an ambitious but exciting goal : to become zero waste by 2020.

“Zero waste is about sending nothing to landfill or incineration by using reuse, recovery, and prevention,” explains Alexa Kielty from San Francisco’s Department of the Environment (SF Environment).

By 2003, SF Environment had already diverted about 52% of the city’s waste from landfill. To achieve its 100% goal, the department knew it had to go beyond curbside waste collection. The San Francisco Zero Waste initiative is far more proactive, focusing on what staff call “the beginning of the waste cycle.”

From a food systems perspective, this means changing behaviours around food before it ends up in the trash. Some of the city’s approaches include working with growers on “ugly food” campaigns, clarifying problematic best before labelling on products, diverting bread and brewery waste for animal feed, and public education for residents and businesses alike.

At the core of these efforts is a shift from a linear waste system to a circular one. In a linear system, products are made, used, and disposed of. Or, from a food perspective, food is grown, prepared into a meal, and the organic scraps tossed in the trash.

In contrast, a circular system eliminates waste and continually reuses resources (or produces new ones all together). There are a number of ways in which this approach applies to the treatment of food waste in San Francisco.

One example is the city’s now-retired SF Greasecycle program. Launched in 2007, the program collected cooking fat, oil, and grease from more than 1,100 restaurant kitchens, selling it to manufacturers to produce valuable biodiesel. So successful was the program that it spawned the creation of several privately-owned grease collection businesses.

A leader in urban composting

Composting is another significant component of Zero Waste San Francisco.

The city has been a leader in urban composting since 1996, when it launched the first and largest commercial and residential composting collection program in the United States. Twenty years later, the city collects 650 tons of food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic waste every day (that’s about 46 dump trucks full). Within 60 days, the organic waste is processed into high-quality compost that is sold to hundreds of organic farms and vineyards across California.

“Composting keeps materials out of landfills, it returns nutrients to farms, it reduces the production of very potent greenhouse gases, and it attracts and retains rainwater,” summarizes Robert Reed , Public Relations Manager with Recology, the private company that oversees San Francisco’s waste collection and processing.

In 2009, San Francisco took the next step and made composting and recycling mandatory for residents and businesses. Waste is sorted into three bins: recycling, compost, and trash. To encourage compliance, the city’s zero waste rate structure incentivizes recycling and composting, making it possible for people who have a larger compost bin and a smaller trash bin to save money.

City staff say it’s important this mandatory order was not introduced on a whim. Public education and the promotion of voluntary sorting systems had been in place for more than a decade. By the time San Franciscans were legally mandated to recycle and compost they were aware and prepared.

Education and public outreach efforts around composting and its connection to climate change continue today. For instance, SF Environment’s Food to Flowers: Lunchroom Composting program is an environmental education initiative that gets young kids composting in their own school cafeteria. A SF Recycles website also makes it easy for residents of all ages to learn about what can and cannot be recycled or composted.

Progress, but not yet perfect

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency , the city now diverts about 80% of its waste, the highest rate in any American city. Leaders from around the world have visited Recology’s facility to learn about the city’s efforts, turning the zero waste initiative into a living lab for composting and beyond.

City staff credit a series of progressive municipal governments and policies such as the legal recycling mandate as key in making the department’s efforts sustainable in the long-run. Zero waste has become a social norm among citizens and the business community.

The journey to reach 100% continues, at a time when it has never been of greater importance.

UN Climate Change Conference COP29

Climate week nyc, convention on biological diversity cop16.

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About Sustainability, & Related Topics & Issues

San Francisco Waste Management Case Study: Recycling & Composting Rates, & Landfill Diversion

Of all cities across the US and the world, San Francisco has one of the highest recycling and composting rates, along with diversion from landfill rates.

In this case study, we outline the various factors that helped San Francisco achieve these rates, and also give an overall summary of how San Francisco manages their waste.

Summary – San Francisco Waste Management Case Study

What Are San Francisco’s Recycling & Composting Rates?

80% of San Francisco’s waste is currently diverted from landfill, and goes to recycling and composting.

Comparing San Francisco Diversion Rates To Other Cities In The US

As a comparison,  New York only diverts about 21 percent of its waste, and Chicago is at about 10 percent.

How San Francisco Achieved Their Recycling & Composting Rates

Some of the things that might have contributed to San Francisco’s higher than average recycling and composting rates, and landfill waste diversion, were:

New recycling/composting legislation

Banning of certain types of non recyclable waste, or added charges for these types of waste

Incentivizing recycling & making it easier, compared to general waste and sending waste to landfill

Charges, discounts and penalties for businesses based on waste generation & sorting

Partner with one waste management company instead of several, in order to streamline and make waste management more efficient

Scale up and invest in recycling and composting operations, facilities and infrastructure

Fund the waste management system primarily through waste collection fees

Provide employment opportunities through the recycling system

The cnbc.com resource at the bottom of this guide has a full breakdown on the San Francisco waste management system

Other Potential Ways To Increase Recycling & Composting Rates

There may be some other potential ways San Francisco may further increase recycling and composting rates, and some of those ways are listed below in this guide.

Onto some of the ways San Francisco has achieved their recycling and composting rates …

1. New Recycling/Composting Legislation 

Legislation to make certain types of recycling and composting mandatory for businesses and residents, and for waste to be recycled or composted in certain ways

2. Banning Of Certain Types Of Non Recyclable Waste, Or Added Charges For These Types Of Waste

Banning non essential single use plastic bags at supermarkets

And, charges on a single use paper bag (and items that are wasted at higher rates, that may get dumped at landfills at higher rates)

3. Incentivising Recycling & Making It Easier, Compared To General Waste & Sending Waste To Landfill 

San Francisco initially set trash collection rates much higher than recycling and composting rates, however, they adjusted these rates down to make them more comparable

Instead, they changed their standard residential bins to include:

– A 64-gallon blue recycling bin

– A 32-gallon green composting bin

– And, a 16-gallon black trash bin

The aim was to make recycling and composting easier

4. Charges, Discounts & Penalties For Businesses Based On Waste Generation & Sorting

Businesses are charged according to the volume of waste they generate 

Businesses also receive discounts for using the green and blue bins, and are penalized if recyclables or compostables end up in the trash

5. Partner With One Waste Management Company Instead Of Several, In Order To Streamline & Make Waste Management More Efficient

San Francisco has an exclusive partnership with waste management company Recology.

Working with one company eases the administrative burden and makes it possible to collaborate on long-term goals

New York, by comparison, has a private system for commercial waste, comprised of hundreds of competing waste collection companies.

This makes it challenging for the local government to collaborate on citywide initiatives.

6. Scale Up & Invest In Recycling & Composting Operations, Facilities & Infrastructure

San Francisco has an advanced recycling center, and also has secondary uses for compost products:

– All of the city’s recyclables are brought to Recycle Center, a 200,000 square foot warehouse … that processes 40 to 45 tons of materials per hour … 14 people work alongside high-tech screens, magnets and optical sorters to weed out contamination and separate the paper, metals and plastics … similar materials are able to be sorted quickly and shipped domestically or abroad

– In terms of compost – all of the city’s yard waste and food scraps are brought to Jepson Prairie Organics … compostables are weighed, ground up and blended. Eventually, the nutrient-rich product is sold as fertilizer to vineyards in wine country and nut growers in the Central Valley

It’s worth noting that San Francisco also share their waste management information with others – Recycle Central and Jepson Prairie host national and international visitors to teach them about the keys to San Francisco’s success

7. Fund The Waste Management System Primarily Through Waste Collection Fees

San Francisco’s waste management system costs about $300 million annually

The program is funded solely through waste collection fees, which are no higher than average for the Bay Area

It would be interesting though to compare these waste collection fees to fees in other areas, and, it would also be interesting to consider the opportunity cost of paying these collection fees vs collection fees for other waste management types.

8. Provide Employment Opportunities Through The Recycling System

[In some cases,] for each ton of material, 20 more jobs are created for recycling compared to if that material is put in a landfill

How Might Recycling & Composting Rates Be Increased Further?

Some potential ways may include but aren’t limited to:

– Considering How More Of The Waste Going To Landfill Could Be Diverted

[It’s estimated] that 60 percent of what ends up in San Francisco’s trash bins could be composted or recycled

– More Awareness & Education For Citizens & Businesses On How Rates Can Be Increased

It’s possible more awareness and education for citizens on recycling, composting and landfill diversion could help

For example, addition education could be provided on the easier and best ways to sort waste into the different waste bins provided. 

– Change In Product Design At The Producer Stage

Packaging and products themselves might be designed or manufactured differently so that they are more effectively or more easily recycled or composted.

We’ve also included other potential ways to increase recycling rates and recycling systems in general in this guide .

Potential Tradeoffs For Different Waste Management Strategies

There are tradeoffs to any type of waste management system, as there would be for San Francisco’s current system.

As a few examples:

– A potential tradeoff to legislating certain types of waste practices, or penalizing businesses for the type of waste they generate, is that this might restrict or interfere with businesses activity, and also the types of products or services

– A potential tradeoff to partnering with one waste management company is that this may decrease competition in the waste management market, and this might have a range of flow on effects (particularly on a free market)

– There are general drawbacks to both recycling and composting to consider for any city or town that makes these waste management options a primary part of their waste management strategy

Each city would ideally assess their own situation to determine what waste management system is best for them in the short term and long term.

1. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/13/how-san-francisco-became-a-global-leader-in-waste-management.html

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Zero Waste Case Study: San Francisco

• November 12, 2019

Author: EPA

The analysis on San Francisco’s implementation in 2003, which is aimed to reduce 75% of waste by 2020. This document has description of the case, and analyze the pros and cons of the zero waste plan.

Click here to view the document: Zero Waste Case Study: San Francisco

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Case Study: Zeroing in on Waste Management Improvement

Challenges   

The internal team at the firm had already fostered a strong zero-waste culture by communicating with employees,  providing resources, and implementing a centralized collection system marked with clear signage. Despite notable progress, the tech f irm acknowledged the desire for a more robust strategy in its sustainability efforts. Due to the size of the campus, the on-site catering kitchen produces mass amounts of waste from food preparation and packaging products. Change in the organizational culture needed to be more comprehensive as well. Some employees continued improperly disposing of waste by not choosing the correct three-stream bin or by bringing bins from h ome outside the prescribed office program. This ongoing challenge prompted them to partner with Service by Medallion to uncover systematic improvement opportunities to achieve the next level of zero waste. More specifically, to decrease the volume of material destined for landfills and minimize waste contamination.  

Solutions  

Using a systems approach, Medallion conducted a thorough waste audit, which involved monitoring and categorizing all waste generated by the firm over a 24-hour period. This comprehensive methodology resulted in numerous landfill reduction process solutions shared at the results follow-up session with the sustainability team.  Among the recommendations was the employment of three full-time master waste sorters to manage the high-volume waste at the San Francisco headquarters. As Medallion gained a deeper understanding of the waste composition, the team also identified upstream purchasing processes involving materials that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. Through a collaborative approach between the procurement team, catering contractor, and snack program vendor, the company and Medallion directed their efforts toward sourcing alternative sustainable materials that could be sorted more effectively. The remaining waste generated by the on-site kitchen service was now being properly composted and recycled.   

Medallion also identified approximately one ton of material monthly that could be eliminated from the landfill stream during the waste sorting process. As a result, Medallion introduced a third-party recycling service specializing in processing commonly procured materials, such as the personal protective equipment (PPE) and nitrile gloves used across the organization.   

Medallion’s Zero Waste advisors constructed a comprehensive system that involved hiring and training waste sorters to identify everyday items incorrectly disposed of, reevaluating packaging byproducts, and working with a third-party recycler to optimize landfill diversion efforts. Advancing a zero waste program requires rigorous process and dedication, but substantial results can be achieved with the right partners.  

The technology firm made significant strides in minimizing its environmental impact, aligning with the company’s overarching Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. A key metric in waste management is landfill diversion rate. The landfill diversion rate is the percentage of waste diverted from landfills and sent for recycling, composting, or other forms of waste treatment. The firm elevated its landfill diversion rate to 97-98%, a remarkable achievement that surpasses the city of San Francisco’s diversion efforts of 80%[ 1] . By analyzing the waste streams, Medallion optimized the firm’s waste processes, making operations more efficient and reducing waste at the source within a month.    

Regardless of the foundation upon which a zero-waste program is built, a systematic approach to continuous improvement remains a constant and vital aspect of sustainable initiatives. Medallion has remained involved in the technology firm’s efforts, helping them surpass mere compliance to emerge as true leaders in zero-waste practices.  

Contact us to learn more about how you can achieve zero waste!

[1] San Francisco Environment Department. “San Francisco Sets North American Record for Recycling & Composting with 80 Percent Diversion Rate,” accessed May 6, 2024, https://www.sfenvironment.org/blog/san-francisco-sets-north-american-record-recycling-composting-80-percent-diversion-rate#:~:text=San%20Francisco%20diverts%2080%20percent,Greenest%20City%20in%20North%20America .

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Director, Business Operations & Implementation – Account Transitions & Applied Technology

Every successful company needs a versatile systems specialist with the ability to adeptly orchestrate account startups and deploying technologies at customer sites. With a strong focus providing infrastructure and technological solutions to service delivery teams, Andres is meticulous at mastering the art of contract compliance. As a key member of Medallion’s innovation committee, Andres leads Medallion’s business certifications and operational excellence programs, such as CIMS and ISO compliance.

Sr. VP of Regional Operations – National Accounts & Culinary

Few known tenured professionals have had the success that Mark Cornish has earned as knowledgeable and resourceful operator. Mark oversees maintenance programs at a national level and provides another layer of support to our VPs of Operations. As an operational guru, Mark is a master of meeting customer financial objectives while ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service across our service channels. His expertise lies in developing and implementing quality service methods and procedures, optimizing operational efficiency for complex manufacturing sites and campus environments, primarily in the janitorial and culinary space.

Regional VP Operations – High Tech & Institutional Environments

Leveraging over “x” years of experience in the facility service industry, Daryl stands out by a distinguished track record of unmatched customer experience. Daryl has earned the reputation of a trusted collaborator capable of brining operational stability to the most challenging environments. In addition to having depth of knowledge in building maintenance, he also runs Medallion’s mailroom and event management division.

EVP, Chief Sustainability Ambassador

Elias brings extensive business operations expertise and leadership to Medallion as he provides direct oversight of the Executive Team. As Medallion’s Chief Sustainability Ambassador, he champion’s our sustainability initiatives around waste management, green cleaning and maintenance of controlled environments. Elias is TRUE Zero Waste certified, IICRC certified, and has been trained in infectious disease by GBCAI.

Case Study from San Francisco

The idea of waste reduction has been adopted by many countries by reducing the consumption of unwanted resources and thereby furthering the cause of zero-waste living. The concept has seemed to have originated in New Zealand and adopted by different countries and cities around the world. San francisco, a country in USA, has adopted a very grounded and inclusive approach and has achieved 77 percent waste diversion, the highest in the country, with a three pronged approach: enacting strong waste reduction legislation, partnering with a like-minded waste management company to innovate new programs, and working to create a culture of recycling and composting through incentives and outreach. The zero waste goal of the city is the responsibility of the Department of Environment (SFE) which works with Recology, the private waste management partner while San Francisco Department of Public Works and Public Health regulate the city’s waste. SFE’s Zero Waste team focuses on outreach, implementation of city-mandated recycling programs in sectors, and advancing waste reduction policy at the local and state level.

San Francisco’s zero waste journey began with enactment of a state law in 1989, the Integrated Waste Management Act. The law required cities and counties to divert 25 percent of municipal solid waste by 1995 and 50 percent by 2000. In 2002 only, the city announced its target to achieve zero waste to disposal by 2020. By 2009, when businesses and residents were habitual of voluntary waste reduction, the city passed a law mandating recycling and composting for all. The zero waste living in San Francisco was guaranteed by the legal arm of the government. The fact that there was a presence of political commitment to environmental sustainability is the reason for the citizens’ continued efforts for waste reduction. Additionally, the collaboration with a local company, Recology, proved very innovative for the legal reforms since it complemented the waste reduction task. Over time, the city and Recology have developed a symbiotic relationship. San Francisco conducts oversight, policy development, outreach, and research on technology and best practices, while Recology creates, tests, and runs infrastructure to collect and process trash, recyclables, and compostables. This also gave employment to many of the masses of San Francisco as both the company and the city authorities relied on local hiring. As a result by 2012, out of 18,000 to 20,000 commercial accounts, approximately 80 percent of companies were separating their organics.

Owing to the inclusive nature of the power holders, the city has been successful in making the practice of zero waste a part of habit and culture of people. Through regulation, outreach and partnership with locals, San Francisco is setting a perfect example for reducing the wastage of resources and adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.

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San Francisco has an ordinance that requires maximum reuse and recycling of material and debris generated during construction and demolition projects.

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City employees are environmental ambassadors who are leading by example. Resources are available to help City staff reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, and buy green to conserve resources and and save money.

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San Francisco leads the way in sustainable urban development with Yes SF

San Francisco's Yes SF Challenge unites innovators and businesses to create a more sustainable, equitable future. Image:  Pexels/Brett Sayles

Alison Hagan

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved .chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

• Despite being an innovation hub, San Francisco's downtown struggles post-pandemic with low occupancy rates.
• Launched in 2023, Yes SF invited entrepreneurs to tackle sustainability challenges and revitalize the city.
• From green energy to waste management, exceptional ideas from 14 innovators offer solutions for a more sustainable San Francisco.
• Yes SF fosters social equity and economic growth, emerging as a model for global change for tackling urban challenges.

For decades, San Francisco has served as the flagship hub for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The big ideas and bold thinking that have shaped the city’s reputation are led by innovators trailblazing new forms of technology that have changed the way we do business and how we connect with one another.

However, despite being the epicentre of innovation, the city has faced stagnant recovery downtown since the COVID-19 pandemic, with occupancy at roughly one-third of pre-pandemic levels . As the city bounces back to its roots of innovation, the innovators who built it are the key to helping revitalize it.

Just who are these innovators and how do we support them? Enter the Yes San Francisco (Yes SF), Urban Sustainability Challenge , a collaboration between Deloitte, Salesforce, World Economic Forum, Citi, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and more than 20 other organizations focused on revitalizing our city by the Bay.

Launched in June 2023 , Yes SF is the first location-based UpLink Challenge created in direct response to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 of making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Yes SF invited entrepreneurs to submit their revolutionary ideas and bold solutions aimed at the sustainable revival of downtown San Francisco — and innovators rose to the challenge.

The Data for the City of Tomorrow report highlighted that in 2023, around 56% of the world is urbanized. Almost 65% of people use the internet. Soon, 75% of the world’s jobs will require digital skills.

The World Economic Forum’s Centre for Urban Transformation is at the forefront of advancing public-private collaboration in cities. It enables more resilient and future-ready communities and local economies through green initiatives and the ethical use of data.

Learn more about our impact:

• Net Zero Carbon Cities: Through this initiative, we are sharing more than 200 leading practices to promote sustainability and reducing emissions in urban settings and empower cities to take bold action towards achieving carbon neutrality .
• G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance: We are dedicated to establishing norms and policy standards for the safe and ethical use of data in smart cities , leading smart city governance initiatives in more than 36 cities around the world.
• Empowering Brazilian SMEs with IoT adoption : We are removing barriers to IoT adoption for small and medium-sized enterprises in Brazil – with participating companies seeing a 192% return on investment.
• IoT security: Our Council on the Connected World established IoT security requirements for consumer-facing devices . It engages over 100 organizations to safeguard consumers against cyber threats.
• Healthy Cities and Communities: Through partnerships in Jersey City and Austin, USA, as well as Mumbai, India, this initiative focuses on enhancing citizens' lives by promoting better nutritional choices, physical activity, and sanitation practices.

Want to know more about our centre’s impact or get involved? Contact us .

Innovating for impact

Out of a competitive field of nearly 150 entrants, 14 Top Innovators were selected by a committee of reviewers (philanthropists, practitioners, and industry experts) brought together by UpLink, the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum.

These visionaries brought diverse innovations to sustainable construction, green energy, water conservation, waste management, vertical farming, and urban forest management, and are now in the process of deploying these solutions as part of San Francisco’s ecological and urban metamorphosis.

Each Top Innovator is supported by a unique cohort of businesses, community leaders, nonprofits, city residents and other stakeholders who have created an ecosystem where innovation can flourish.

We can already begin to see the potential speed and scale of positive social, economic, and environmental impacts — from job creation to emissions and water reduction — that these solutions will have in San Francisco once fully deployed. For example:

• They’re smaller than the size of a pickup truck, but Moxion ’s all-electric, mobile power generators reduce diesel fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by replacing traditional diesel generators to power construction sites, film sets, and even support disaster relief efforts throughout the region.
• itselectric is working to provide off-the-grid electric vehicle charging to 240,000 San Francisco drivers and new revenue streams to commercial building owners in downtown. Their goal is for San Francisco to achieve 100% emission-free transportation by 2024.
• And Zauben is reimagining what green roofs can do for commercial buildings to support the return to office and reduce energy bills for property owners.

These are just a few examples, but the potential collective impact of all 14 Top Innovator solutions from this cohort could be astounding. It would mean a much-needed expansion in green jobs, equitable economic growth, and sustainability outcomes for San Francisco and toward more sustainable cities and communities globally.

The significance of Yes SF is more than the obvious environmental benefits. It is a driving force for economic renewal and social equity. The solutions can help create employment opportunities, help make city living more affordable, and foster community engagement.

But they can’t do it in a vacuum, which is what makes this model of place-based change so critical. Yes SF engages the specialized expertise of local organizations to provide equal access to opportunity, ultimately creating an ecosystem that strengthens the impact of the innovators’ work and helps create lasting change for San Francisco.

And this blueprint for collective action is making a new name for the city of San Francisco on a global scale.

Yes SF takes the world stage

The challenge showed up in force at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos — driving global attention and demonstrating that San Francisco is still a leader in urban transformation, despite headlines that may try to say otherwise.

By building an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, businesses, nonprofits, and community members through this challenge, Yes SF has shown how to drive systemic change in San Francisco.

Ultimately, the hope is to apply this model of collective action and place-based change to other challenges and cities, as the World Economic Forum announced recently at Davos . Given the impact this initiative will have on San Francisco, its potential to transform other urban centres worldwide is a development we eagerly anticipate.

Have you read?

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} biodivercities: how infrastructure could transform the urban relationship with nature, why social value is the key to unlocking urban transformation, 5 cities show what urban transformation really looks like, 3 steps to build 'adaptive' smart cities of the future.

The Yes SF Urban Sustainability Challenge is more than an initiative; it offers a brighter, more sustainable future for San Francisco and beyond. It embodies the power of collective effort in addressing complex urban challenges, transforming cities into vibrant ecosystems that can equally support their inhabitants and the environment.

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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