NYC WasteLe$$

NYC WasteLe$$ is a program to help businesses, agencies, and individuals learn more about waste prevention. Waste prevention refers to eliminating or reducing the amount of materials discarded, either as trash or recyclables. The program focuses on the benefits to the environment, as well as cost savings to consumers and tax payers associated with reducing waste. WasteLe$$ encourages using the reduce, reuse, recycle method at home, and provides tips to use around the house and while shopping. The program also provides technical assistance to businesses and organizations to promote waste prevention measures. WasteLe$$ advises businesses on the following three areas: 1) process modifications to generate less waste or less toxic waste; 2) use of materials that are more durable, reusable, or repairable; and 3) diverting materials from disposal to reuse. The program is primarily funded by the Department of Sanitation, with additional support and assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The goal of NYC WasteLe$$ is to promote waste prevention at businesses, agencies, schools, and at home.

In a study of the NYC WasteLe$$ Business Project, participating airports prevented an estimated 200,000 pounds of wood waste annually by reusing wooden pallets and saved an estimated $40,000 per year in purchase and disposal costs. Participating restaurants prevented an estimated 52,000 pounds of food waste per year through composting, and stadiums and arenas prevented an estimated 8,000 pounds of reusable goods waste annually through donations. Manufacturing participants prevented an estimated 460,000 pounds of urea plastic waste each year through sales of scrap plastic, generating more than $69,000 in annual revenue.