Resource Conservation (Recycling and Waste Reduction)
At the request of Walla Walla 2020, the Walla Walla Area Resource Conservation Committee (formerly the Regional Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee) was established in 1988 by the Walla Walla County Commissioners in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Plan. Its main role was to advise the Regional Waste Reduction and Recycling Office, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the public on ways to reduce, reuse, recycle, and complete the loop by purchasing environmentally preferable products. Since then, the Walla Walla Area Resource Conservation Committee has become a non-profit (501c(3)) organization and in this role works with all government agencies, private entities, and the public to promote sustainability (ecological, equitable, economical) in the community.
The following are recommending reading and resources:
- Review our tips to Conserve Your Personal & Our Community’s Resources
- Find out more about Walla Walla’s Curbside Recycling Program
- Find out how your Apartment Building, Business, or Church can have recycling service
- Join the “Junk It!” Reduce Junk Mail Campaign
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Projects
We have worked independently and with the County and City on waste reduction and recycling projects. The committee tackles various projects and is continually looking for people to work with us on these projects. To indicate your interest in a particular project, share your ideas, or ask questions, please contact us!
| 2010-Present | + Conducting $mart Business Partners Program |
| 2008-2009 | + Conducting Build a Green Walla Walla Project + Implementing “Abandoned Auto and Tire” Project + Initiating “Anti Junk Mail Campaign: Junk It!” |
| 2007 | + Holding two electronic recycling events + Creating infomercials on $mart Business, reuse, composting, electronics recycling, solid waste recycling, and household hazardous waste + Holding curbside recycling contest. |
| 2005 | + Initiating electronic recycling + Establishing the Eco-Art Contest |
| 2004 | + Establishing Regional Composting Facility + Establishing recycling system at Wheatland Village + Creating infomercial on recycled paint |
| 2002 | + Initiating Dirt Day Event + Establishing downtown recycling system |
| 2001 | + Facilitating greater collection of household hazardous waste |
| 1998-2000 | + Reducing waste at events such as the Balloon Stampede, Race Unity Day, 4th of July in the Park, Frontier Days, and Wheelin’ Walla Walla. |
| 1996-1998 | + Conducting the communications campaign for the implementation of curbside recycling in the City of Walla Walla |
| 1995 | + Forming a coop of local purchasers for government agencies to obtain best prices for recycled products |
| 1994 | + Reviewing the Walla Walla County Solid Waste Management Plan |
| 1992 | + Creating the Green Seal Program for businesses + Reviewing the Master Recycler-Composter Handbook + Reviewing the Waste Oil Study |
| 1991 | + Reviewing the Moderate Risk Waste Management Plan |
| 1990 | + Conducting the durable shopping bag campaign |
| 1988 | + Establishing Neighborhood Recycling Stations |
Resources
City of College Place Public Works
For more information on how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and purchase economical environmental products:
NIST Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES)
National Association of Home Builders Sustainability and Green Building
U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
There’s still plenty left to do!
Use the contact form to find out how to get involved with Walla Walla 2020
Focus Area Chair
Sandy Shelin