Dear Austin,

I am pleased to present the 2023 Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Comprehensive Plan. This plan updates the 2011 Master Plan and further guides Austin toward its goal of zero waste by 2040. The Zero Waste Goal specifies that only items ineligible for recycling, composting, reuse, repair, or donation reach our landfills.

As a result of the projects and programs from the 2011 plan, Austin’s recycling levels are 36% higher than the national average and organic material diversion from landfills reached over 20,000 tons per year. Since 2011, Austin increased the capability of the drop-off center for household hazardous waste and hard-to-recycle items such as Styrofoam™ and electronics. In addition to recycling services, the center also serves as a community supply hub where residents can pick up items such as reblended paint and usable cleaning products at no charge. Expanding beyond the residential customer base, ARR established the Universal Recycling Ordinance requiring recycling at all commercial and multifamily properties and organic diversion at food-based businesses.

In 2019, ARR began crafting an updated strategic roadmap for Austin to achieve the Zero Waste Goal. Towards this effort, ARR:

Benchmarked cities across the nation with similar zero-waste goals,
Analyzed zero waste options including facilities and infrastructure upgrades, enhanced diversion processes and affordability,
Invited residents, businesses, and organizations to share their ideas, expertise, and feedback,
Made a commitment to equitable program outcomes.