Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division

SMM TD members view waste as a resource and strive for circular economy results through the following actions:  

• Exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and deposit return systems (DRS) policies and programs. 
• Reducing waste at the source prevents the need to manage materials at the end of use. 
• Reusing and refurbishing items prolongs their useful life.
• Recycling creates jobs, conserves natural resources, and saves energy. 
• Domestic recycling helps strengthen North American economies. 
• Food rescue and recovery ensures that edible food nourishes hungry people and animals. 
• Organic waste (food scraps and plant material) can be responsibly managed to reduce landfilled material and produce beneficial end products, such as compost and renewable energy.
• Special waste, like lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste, can be hazardous and must be managed and processed safely and appropriately. 
• Sustainable materials management helps sustain the environment for future generations.