Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) – Is this a realistic goal that can be accomplished?

Abstract

Zero waste to landfill (ZWTL) is a dynamic movement in the waste management industry that is active across the globe. It focuses mainly to set up the zero waste to circular economy system in all the industrial and commercial sectors. Although many local governments have set deadlines for achieving ZWTL, many countries and industries are still struggling to reach the goal. In order to achieve this goal, humankind’s mindset should move from the traditional waste disposal methods to advanced methods, such as sustainable redesign/remanufacturing of products/packaging, identification of non-recyclables and non-compostables present in the waste and finding innovative ways to recycle them. This would require expert guidance, such as zero waste certifying companies to help in waste tracking, collecting data and devising a plan to meet the ZWTL target.
What is Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL)?
ZWTL simply means that no non-hazardous waste produced by a generator reaches a landfill. All solid waste produced by the generator’s facilities should be reused, recycled or discarded through other means of disposal. ZWTL is closely associated with the ‘Zero Waste Goal’ to reduce or remove waste from landfilling and reusing those in the supply chain of production and distribution systems. Thereby, eliminating all ways of discharge, to water, land, or air, that imposes threat to human health and environment.

Mission ZWTL

ZWTL is becoming the objective of every industry across the globe. According to ISWA’s recent report, ‘Wasted Health: The Tragic case of dumpsites’, the health impacts of dumpsites are worse than those of malaria in India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Organizations are under pressure to disclose the sustainability measures adopted by them. Let us look at the possible ways of achieving this ZWTL policy.