Leggett to Form a Zero Waste Task Force to Advise on County’s Integrated Waste System Strategic Planning Process

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 5, 2018

Montgomery County continues to improve the vision for the County’s solid waste and recycling program and operations. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is leading a planning effort to develop a Master Plan, which will set the direction for its integrated waste management operations for the next 25 years.

 The Zero Waste and Strategic Plan Task Force will work closely with DEP during the strategic planning process to provide advice and guidance on how best to move to a zero waste management system. The plan will review all options for an integrated system including the viability of phasing out the Resource Recovery Facility, while evaluating options for sustainable management of materials. Guiding principles are zero waste and sustainable management.

“Montgomery County is a national leader in implementing sustainable environmentally responsible solid waste services,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “Zero waste is an ambitious goal but one that is achievable. The implementation of an advisory task force is an important first step to help us get started on meeting our goal.”

The plan will incorporate concepts of zero waste and sustainable materials management. DEP will commission a consultant to assist with plan development, which will include an assessment of the current state, benchmarking and identification of best practices, and identification of improvements to the waste diversion and recycling system. 

The planning process is expected to take 15-18 months and will include stakeholder engagement including resident, businesses, community organizations, environmental groups, industry, experts and elected officials, or their representatives

For more information about the Integrated Waste System Strategic Plan call Willie Wainer at 240-777-6402.

Release ID: 18-503
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6536