About Zero Waste North Bay
Who We Are
Zero Waste North Bay is a coalition of community members representing agencies, businesses, and non-profits, all dedicated to advocating for and upholding zero waste principles in the northern Bay Area. This group organizes the annual Zero Waste Symposium, creating a space for networking, knowledge-sharing, and inspiring action. The event brings together stakeholders to highlight zero waste policies, programs, and infrastructure that aim to design waste out of the system while promoting composting, reclaiming, reducing, reusing, and recycling.
At it’s core, zero waste is a philosophy centered on sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of reuse, recycling, composting, and conservation while considering the entire life cycle of products and systems.
A Systems Approach to Waste Prevention
Defining Zero Waste
As defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance:
Zero waste is an ethical, economical, efficient, and visionary goal. It guides individuals, businesses, and communities to emulate sustainable natural cycles by managing discarded materials as resources rather than waste.
Zero waste means:
- Designing and managing products and processes to systematically reduce and eliminate waste and material toxicity.
- Conserving and recovering all resources.
- Avoiding the burning or burying of recyclable, compostable, and reusable materials.
Fiscal Sponsor
Race to Zero Waste is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing zero waste practices through education, outreach, and community engagement. From hands-on training to national campaigns and events, they help individuals and organizations transition toward a more circular, sustainable future.