Zero Waste Goals and Events
The Solid Waste District is a founding member of the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council. The council goal is 90% or greater waste diversion from the landfill.
What is Zero Waste?
The universally accepted definition for zero waste from the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council is 90% or greater non-hazardous waste diversion from the landfill without burning or burying. Waste is diverted to its highest and best use. The more complete internationally accepted definition of zero waste may be found on the Zero Waste International Alliance website.
Achieving Zero Waste
Green Business Certification Inc. is responsible for the ongoing management and evolution of Zero Waste Facility Certification and Zero Waste Business Associate (TRUE Advisor) programs, which were initially created by what was formerly known as the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC).
Zero Waste Facility Certification is based on the peer-reviewed, internationally accepted definition of zero waste developed by ZWIA. This is now aligned with the credit requirements of LEED for Buildings Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M). TRUE Advisors help implement best practices and measure progress toward achieving zero-waste goals and certification.
Businesses, organizations, and communities that divert more than 90% of waste from landfills, incinerators, and the environment are considered to be successful in achieving zero waste. “Zero Waste to Landfill” is not accepted as a goal, as it usually means burning a substantial portion of discarded materials. USZWBC champions the highest and best use of resources.
How To Host a Reduced Waste or Zero Waste Event
Zero Waste Event Guide
The ZeroWasteNEO Working Group developed an event guide with step-by-step instructions on hosting a reduced or zero-waste event.
- Zero Waste Event Guide (updated 04/2026)
- Checklist for zero-waste events
Additional Resources
The ZeroWasteNEO Working Group held a presentation wth an overview of tips for those event planners wishing to reduce waste at their events. Watch the video.
- Presentation Slides: Zero and Reduced Waste Events (updated 04/2026)
- See the list of resources from the video. (updated 04/2026)
Plan for your event by learning more about food donation, food waste, reducing plastic waste, and compost facilities.
Event Training for Volunteer Groups
The Solid Waste District can teach your staff or a volunteer coalition how to host and implement a zero-waste event. Training must take place before the day of the event, activity, or festival. Contact Doreen Schreiber for more information.
Workshops
The ZeroWasteNEO Working Group hosts free zero-waste event workshops. Workshop dates are posted on our event calendar as scheduled.
ZeroWasteNEO Working Group
The ZeroWasteNEO Working Group was formed at the first Sustainable Cleveland Summit in 2009. ZeroWasteNEO's mission is to maximize resource recovery and landfill diversion in Northeast Ohio. They strive to provide education and resources to assist with achieving zero-waste goals. The working group includes representatives from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, and other like-minded environmental individuals in Cuyahoga County. Sustainable Cleveland is part of the City of Cleveland Office of Sustainability
Questions? Wondering where to start? Contact Doreen Schreiber to learn more about the ZeroWasteNEO Working Group or join the mailing list.
Assistance with Achieving Zero-Waste Goals
The Solid Waste District's business recycling specialist, Doreen Schreiber, is certified as a TRUE Advisor through the U.S. Green Building Council. She can assist businesses in preparing for their third-party certification.