Fwd: Updated Zero Waste Hierarchy of Highest and Best Use

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Gary Liss

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Jun 23, 2025, 1:29:52 PMJun 23
to GreenYes Listserve, RecyclingM...@googlegroups.com, Grassroots Network Core ZW Team, Grassroots Network Zero Waste Forum, Gary Liss, Gary Liss (Mindspring)
fyi

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gary Liss <garyli...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Updated Zero Waste Hierarchy of Highest and Best Use
To: ZWIAPlan <zwia...@googlegroups.com>, ZWIA Listserve and Website <zw...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Gary Liss <garyli...@gmail.com>, Rick Anthony <rican...@aol.com>, Gary Liss (Mindspring) <gary...@mindspring.com>, Jamie Kaminski <jamie.k...@zerowastecanada.ca>, Ruth Abbe <ruth...@zerowasteusa.org>, Chris Sparnicht <ch...@zerowasteusa.org>


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Zero Waste International Alliance Announces Update to the Zero Waste Hierarchy

                                                                                                                

June 23, 2025 – The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) is pleased to announce the release of Version 8.1 of the Zero Waste Hierarchy of Highest and Best Use. The refined Hierarchy introduces key improvements that enhance the Hierarchy’s effectiveness as a leading tool for developing Zero Waste policies, programs, and strategies worldwide.

 

Key updates in Version 8.1 include:

●      Enhanced language in the guiding principle of Do Not Export Harm, to ensure that harmful materials are not sent to regions or facilities that cannot properly handle them, with regard to environmental and health standards.

●      Addition of a new principle, Do No Harm, to guide organizations in minimizing the negative social and environmental impacts of materials and discards throughout their lifecycle.

●      Technical refinements to definitions surrounding circular economy, closed-loop systems, composting, and recycling, ensuring clarity and consistency in application.

I've included more details in the attached News Release.  The updated Hierarchy can also be found at https://www.zwia.org/zwh.


Gary


Gary Liss, Chair
ZWIA Zero Waste Certifications Committee


News release_ ZWIA Zero Waste Hierarchy 8.1 -Final (6-23-25).docx

Bob Gedert

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Jun 23, 2025, 3:16:19 PMJun 23
to Gary Liss, GreenYes Listserve, RecyclingM...@googlegroups.com, Grassroots Network Core ZW Team, Grassroots Network Zero Waste Forum, Gary Liss (Mindspring)
Excellent upgrade of the definition.  I'm happy to see the Do No Harm principle added.  
My book highlights the Precautionary Principle of Do No Harm.  It's an important starting base. 


Bob Gedert     512-568-8340
Untangling Plastics: The Missing Link in Mitigating Climate Change




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