Mayor Richard Kos has submitted a request to the City Council to adopt a resolution adopting the zero waste guiding principle and supporting the creation of a City-wide plan for zero waste.

Spurred by the imminent closure of the landfill the City uses, the resolution addresses the need for the City to restructure and adapt current waste management practices to implement innovative resource management technologies to realize solid waste reductions, increases to recycling, and operational efficiencies.

“This resolution provides an ambitious goal for the City to become a zero waste community,” said Mayor Richard Kos. “It’s good for the environment and will save the City and our resident’s money. It’s a win-win.”

Should the City Council choose to adopt the measure, Chicopee will commit to solid waste reduction goals of 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 as outlined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Pathway to Zero Waste Plan. In addition the City will implement a waste reduction and resource management analysis for the City in anticipation of the landfill closure.

A copy of the resolution can be found at http://ma-chicopee.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2478