Agenda 06-03-2025; 6-a - Approval of Solid Waste Master Plan – Path to Zero Waste

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8 It is interesting to note that under the current system of waste • Participated in three(3)farmers markets located management, most of our resources, efforts, and investments throughout the County are at the bottom of the hierarchy with Residuals Management . Participated in a fall Shred-a-thon event and Regulated Disposal. It is imperative that with future • Tabled at the Seymour Center(with the Department of Aging) progress and growth,solid waste management becomes more sustainable and climate-friendly by moving up the hierarchy. • Advertised in print media and on television The Circular Economy is an economic system based on the reuse • Conducted online surveys in multiple languages(English, and regeneration of materials or products,especially as a means Spanish,Mandarin,Burmese) of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally • Conducted one-on-one interviews and Small Group friendly way. Advancing the circular economy is a critical Listening Sessions component of Zero Waste planning.This can be achieved through The County prioritized seeking input from community members design that keeps products and materials in use longer, and that have been traditionally marginalized during the public that regenerates natural systems. A circular economy model, engagement effort. For focused outreach, the County held in combination with the Sustainable Materials Management four community listening sessions, including three in-person Hierarchy, serves as the underlying foundation for the Road to sessions, one virtual session, and one hybrid session (mixed Zero Waste. In the Triangle region of North Carolina, there is in-person and virtual).Interpreters were available at the public an organization already in place that demonstrates an effective gatherings.To reach communities with limited internet access circular economy model in action.The Circular Triangle' includes or exposure to news networks, signage and informational a Textile Incubator initiative to encourage keeping clothing in use. materials about the project were distributed in select public This is just one example of the circular economy in practice. areas and government buildings throughout the County where residents gather.Additionally,the public survey was developed 2.1 1 Community Outreach and issued in four different languages, (English, Spanish, When developing the Road to Zero Waste Plan, the County Mandarin, and Burmese), and the project was advertised via advocated for the collection of community feedback and input local media outlets including newspapers, community-based throughout the planning process. By asking the community for radio,area newsletters,and listservs. feedback,the County was able to show how much they value Further information describing the elements of the public the opinions of the residents they serve, and their input was engagement strategy, including the planning process and able to shape the recommendations that ultimately informed methodology,timeline,stakeholder identification,and specific the Plan.The County sought opinions and feedback from the outreach and communication activities, are included in public via the following in-person and virtual methods: Appendix B—Public Engagement Summary. • Formed a solid waste advisory group and identified key stakeholders and one-on-one interviewees Learn more about the incubator at www.circulartriangleorg • Held four(4)public meetings • Promoted the efforts online through the Solid Waste Management website and social media accounts 6 ORANGE 0R/JNGESolid Waste Master Plan:The Road to Zero Waste COUNTYC0UNTYFall 2024