CAP Waste Action Dashboard

Waste is one of six pathways in Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP Waste Action Dashboard tracks progress on implementing CAP waste reduction actions. Each action supports a CAP goal and strategy. The dashboard indicates the status of each action (“not started,” “in progress,” “implemented”) and provides numerical values for metrics associated with each pathway. Scroll down to view action status and metrics.  

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Waste Action Status

Waste Pathway Small
0
Not Started
14
In Progress
1
Implemented


Goal 1 Wellesley implements programs that move the community to zero waste.

Goal 2 RDF utilization increases among residents, businesses, and institutions.

Strategy 1: The municipality leads by example on waste minimization, recycling, and food waste diversion.

Adopt and implement zero waste goals and guidelines for municipal buildings and activities.
Details: A zero waste program for municipal buildings is being piloted in the Department of Public Works (DPW) Administrative building and Park & Highway building. DPW, CAC, and Schools have discussed the possibility of establishing a part-time Waste Reduction Coordinator position to support municipal actions toward zero waste goals.  
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works, Climate Action
Status: In Progress
Expand use of Recycle-mobile at community events.
Details: The Recyclemobile was used to collect recyclables and food waste at the Wellesley Wonderful Weekend picnic. RDF has purchased additional smaller containers to collect recyclables and food waste at future community events.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works, 3R Working Group
Status: In Progress

Strategy 2: Restart and expand food waste diversion and food rescue programs.

Restart and expand (post-COVID) the Food Rescue Network and food rescue and food waste diversion programs in Wellesley Public Schools.
Details: Food waste is collected in the middle school cafeteria during 6th and 7th grade lunch periods and food composting was piloted in the high school cafeteria in the spring of 2022 and 2023. CAC and 3R Working Group continue to work with school administration to develop a permanent food waste diversion program.
Lead Departments: Wellesley Public Schools, 3R Working Group
Status: In Progress
Offer low-cost residential food waste diversion starter kits through the RDF.
Details: The RDF offers a free starter kit that includes compostable bag liners for a countertop container and a larger bucket with screw on lid for storing/transporting food waste to/from the RDF.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: Implemented
Explore the use of private haulers for residential compost pick-up.
Details: DPW will engage a consultant to analyze residential waste management opportunities in Wellesley and assess models for the future, including the best option to maximize residential composting.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress
Establish a commercial food waste diversion program for high-volume producers.
Details: RDF worked with commercial establishments on an as-needed basis to help them start food waste diversion programs. So far, RDF assisted Linden Square businesses, Wellesley Country Club, and Ten Acre Country Day School.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress
Explore alternative food waste endpoints and innovative regional food waste diversion technologies.
Details: The RDF Superintendent regularly attends webinars and regional meetings to learn about potential new and existing options for food waste diversion.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress

Strategy 3: Develop a culture that minimizes single-use products and packaging.

Explore and implement programs and/or regulations to minimize use of disposable, single-use products throughout town.
Details: The Charles River Chamber of Commerce’s Environmental Working Group set up a subcommittee to explore a coordinated effort to reduce restaurant waste. Wellesley RDF staff and a CAC member will participate on the subcommittee.
Lead Departments: Climate Action, 3R Working Group
Status: In Progress
Advocate for legislation or regulations that extend producer responsibility for product packaging.
Details: The CAC tracks state legislation related to extended producer responsibility for product packaging and will write support letters as appropriate.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress
Advocate for an expanded Bottle Bill.
Details: The CAC tracks state legislation for an expanded Bottle Bill and will write support letters as appropriate.
Lead Departments: Climate Action, 3R Working Group
Status: In Progress

Strategy 4: Educate the community about opportunities and benefits regarding a zero-waste goal.

Provide educational programs, resources, and incentives that encourage and enable waste minimization, food waste diversion, recycling, and upcycling throughout the community.
Details: The Welcome to Wellesley Working group was formed in July 2023 to develop a strategy to  (in part) engage new residents in waste reduction activities, especially through waste diversion opportunities at the RDF. RDF recently upgraded the mobile app, updated the RDF map, installed new signs on the recycling wall, and added QR codes and other updates to the RDF website.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress
Explore opportunities to promote commercial composting of compostable containers and utensils.
Details: The RDF Superintendent regularly attends webinars and regional meetings to learn about potential options for composting of compostable containers and utensils.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress

Strategy 5: Promote the environmental and financial benefits of the RDF.

Publicize how RDF utilization benefits both the environment and Town finances. Tailor messaging to specific audiences such as businesses and colleges, community members who do not hold an RDF permit, and new residents.
Details: Financial benefits of recycling at the RDF is published in the Annual Report. A subcommittee of the 3R Working Group is developing a Welcome Packet for new residents to highlight benefits of using the RDF.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works, 3R Working Group
Status: In Progress

Strategy 6: Expand access to and services at the RDF.

Simplify the RDF sticker process for renters and residents without computers or cars.
Details: RDF is reviewing the application process to improve accessibility.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress
Expand hazardous waste disposal and electronic waste recycling at the RDF by increasing the number of collection days and becoming a permanent, regional household hazardous waste facility.
Details:The 2024 fiscal year budget includes funding for two hazardous waste collection days.
Lead Departments: Department of Public Works
Status: In Progress

Waste Metrics

Acronym Key:

GHG emissions = greenhouse gas emissions

EVs = electric vehicles

MLP = Municipal Light Plant;  DPW = Department of Public Works;  WPS = Wellesley Public Schools

BETR = Building Energy Tracking and Reporting program

MSBG = Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines