The City of Austin has found a way to help local businesses go green.
The WasteSMART program was created to assist businesses who aim to minimize their impact on the environment.
Reducing waste, recycling and utilizing recycled products are the key components to becoming a WasteSMART partner.
One of primary elements of this program is undergoing a “WRAP Analysis.” According to Jennifer Herber, the Public Information Specialist with the City of Austin Solid Waste Services, this consists of a free and confidential on-site evaluation of their waste management procedures.
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WasteSMART
News 8’s Maureen McCann has more on how WasteSMART is helping Austin businesses go green.
 
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Solid Waste Services then provides recommendations on how that business can implement more eco-friendly techniques to their daily operations.
Once the recommendations are put into action, they are granted WasteSMART status.
Businesses that become recognized as WasteSMART are identified with a plaque to symbolize their efforts to being more environmentally conscious.
According to Herber, House Pizzeria in Austin is one example of a WasteSMART business.
Not only do they use organic products in their food, but they use completely compostable to-go containers, use fabric napkins and employees bus the tables themselves to ensure the waste is sorted properly.
Table scraps are ultimately brought to a pig farm to add to the sustainable loop.
There is only one ordinary trash receptacle in the building, since the majority of the waste is recycled or reused.
There are over 20 businesses in Austin that are considered WasteSMART.
