Analysis of Waste Management Sustainability Goals

This analysis examines the waste management sustainability policies set by state/local agencies, such as recycling and diversion goals. The research explores the intent, structure, and language used in the policies in an effort to better understand the way recycling and diversion are defined from a policy perspective. Significant differences in these policy-based definitions between states prevents direct comparison, so a definition framework was developed to facilitate comparison and highlights ways in which policy goals can be based on measurable metrics. Results on the number and types of policies, and implications on recycling rates and goal achievability are shared.