When you throw something away, where does it go? For most waste, the answer is simple: the landfill. But what if we could divert more of that waste toward recycling, composting, and reuse? That’s where waste diversion rates come in.A waste diversion rate is the percentage of waste kept out of the landfill through recycling, composting, and reuse. The higher the diversion rate, the less trash ends up in the landfill, reducing environmental impacts and conserving valuable resources.Currently, Summit County’s waste diversion rate is only 12%. This means that nearly 88% of our waste is going straight into the landfill rather than being recycled, composted or reused. We’re not alone in this challenge, but many cities and countries have implemented strategies to improve their waste management systems. So what can we learn from them?San Francisco is a national leader in waste diversion with an 80% diversion rate. One key strategy is strategic bin sizing — smaller trash bins and larger recycling and compost bins encourage better sorting. The city also requires waste audits for large businesses, ensuring they are actively reducing waste and recycling properly.Seattle has taken composting to the next level by requiring organic waste collection for residents and businesses. Food scraps, yard waste, and compostable packaging are diverted from landfills, cutting methane emissions and boosting waste diversion.Austin is tackling waste from the manufacturing side by encouraging businesses to produce durable and recyclable products. By focusing on reuse and longevity, the city aims to cut waste at its source rather than just dealing with it after disposal.Germany is one of the world leaders in waste diversion. Two key programs have made a huge difference:Bottle Deposit Refund System — When consumers buy a bottled product, they pay an extra fee. They get that fee back when they return the bottle for recycling. This simple incentive keeps millions of bottles out of landfills. The Green Dot System — A symbol on packaging that indicates it must be accepted at recycling facilities. This ensures that manufacturers take responsibility for making packaging recyclable.If we want to move beyond 12%, we need to take inspiration from these success stories. Expanding composting and recycling options and incentivizing recycling programs could all be game-changers for our community. Every individual can make a difference by sorting waste properly, reducing plastic use, and advocating for better waste management policies. Together, we can push Summit County toward a more sustainable future.Recycle Utah, your community non-profit drop-off recycling center, provides these weekly tips. Visit their website for more information: www.recycleutah.org.The post Green Tips: Waste diversion success stories appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less