1. Reaching Zero Waste through
Grassroots Organizing
Taryn Hallweaver
Toxics Action Center

2. I’m going to talk about a few things:
• Toxics Action Center and our waste work
• Don’t Waste Massachusetts and the Boston
Recycling Coalition
• How to set goals and make a plan for Zero
Waste in your community: principles of
grassroots organizing

3. Toxics Action Center

6. Don’t Waste Massachusetts
•Overarching goal: Zero Waste plan for Massachusetts
through Solid Waste Master Plan for 2010-2020
•Other issues:
•Organics regulations
•Waste ban enforcement
•Any regulatory changes pertaining to waste

7. Boston Recycling Coalition

8. Principles of Organizing for
Zero Waste

9. 1. Set Achievable Goals
50% in 3-5 years is a good baseline
Key strategies:
• Universal curbside recycling
• PAYT
• Yard waste collection
• Education

10. 2. Choose the right decision-maker

11. 3. Articulate your strategy

12. 4. Secure the support of your community

13. 5. Build your group along the way

14. 6. Escalate your campaign over
time

15. 7. Craft a message using the 4 Cs:
Concise, Compelling, Consistent,
Controls the Message
PAYT: Pay As You Throw
SMART: Saving Money and Reducing Trash
Same program, different messaging.

16. 8. Evaluate as you go

17. Questions?
Contact info:
Taryn Hallweaver
Toxics Action Center
617-747-4358
taryn@toxicsaction.org