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Zero Waste Detroit

Zero Waste Detroit is a coalition of local organizations advocating curbside recycling, a materials recovery system that would bring new jobs and economic development to the city, and an end to waste incineration. Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice is a founding member of the coalition.

Check out ZWD’s official website and Facebook page to stay up-to-date on municipal recycling and the fight to shut down the Detroit incinerator.

A brief history of Zero Waste Detroit’s accomplishments:

  • 2007: Raised the issue of solid waste befor City Council and all Mayoral administrations and the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority (GDRRA), the oversight body of the incinerator.
  • 2008: Council Resolution supporting Zero Waste Detroit’s solid waste model.
  • 2009: The city began curbside recycling for approximately 25,000 households.
  • 2010: March and demonstration at U.S. Social Forum in Detroit.
  • 2011: Language in the reform City Charter that mandates recycling as the first option for solid waste management.
  • 2012: City on the path toward city-wide recycling.

    "We're all chain smokers in Detroit" reads an image stenciled on the sidewalk--a piece of public art in opposition of the incinerator.