Report includes overview of the department's progress, achievements and services.
On April 22, 2013, Austin Resource Recovery released its 2012 Annual Report, which includes an overview of the department’s progress toward Zero Waste, achievements in resource recovery and services provided to Austin residents and businesses.
“As the City of Austin continues to grow and expand, so does our commitment to making our City one of the most sustainable in the country,” said Austin City Manager Marc Ott. “This year, Austin Resource Recovery implemented programs that preserve the community and utilize sustainable practices, making 2012 a pivotal year.”
In the pursuit of Zero Waste, Austin Resource Recovery set into motion a series of services, programs and policies that represent the department’s commitment to innovation, waste reduction and success. This led to a number of achievements that we are proud to announce.
Highlights include:
- Diverted 38 percent of City-collected materials from the landfill
- Collected 53,943 tons of recycling, an increase from 2011
- Produced 12,767 gallons of Austin ReBlend paint, available to residents for free at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility
- Launched a new youth education program called Generation Zero, which provides Austin students and educators with awareness about recycling, composting and conservation while providing simple solutions for reducing waste
- Distributed 25,000 reusable and multiple-use bags to Austin residents
- Taught 86 free composting classes throughout Austin, teaching 19 percent more students than in 2011
“As a department, we will implement new programs and consider imaginative new ways to achieve Zero Waste,” said Bob Gedert, Austin Resource Recovery Director. “With help from our dedicated staff, fellow Austinites and the community at large, we can make meaningful, measurable progress.”
View the report online at bit.ly/ARRAnnualReport2012. For a printed copy, please contact Alexandria Bruton at Alexandria.Bruton@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9216.