How are EPAs waste programs addressing global climate change?
Waste prevention and recycling can make a significant contribution to reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. By 2012, EPA expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20.5 Million Metric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MMTCO2E) through specific waste prevention and recycling programs. These reductions are the equivalent to taking more than 4 million cars off the road for one year. To achieve these reductions, EPA supports a number of programs, including: • WasteWise. WasteWise is a voluntary partnership between EPA and U.S. businesses; federal,tribal, state, and local governments; and institutions to prevent waste, recycle, and buy and manufacture products made with recycled materials. Presently, more than 1,200 organizations participate in the WasteWise program. • Pay-As-You-Throw Programs. EPA provides technical and outreach assistance to encourage communities to implement pay-as-you-throw systems for managing solid waste. With pay-as-you-throw, residents are charged based
