Zero Waste
Pittsburgh's Journey to Zero Waste
One of the greenest and most visible ways to manage materials sustainability is to implement the tactics of Zero Waste.
The City of Pittsburgh is working to increase its diversion and strive for Zero Waste by 2030. In an effort to accomplish this goal, it will take city-wide participation from all sectors to eliminate products that are "destined for landfill." The production and disposal of materials result in broad environmental and social impacts associated with obtaining raw materials, manufacturing and emissions from landfills.
The Zero Waste International Alliance defines zero waste as the diversion of at least 90% of waste from landfills or incineration. With help from 100 Resilient Cities, the City of Pittsburgh has developed a Roadmap to Zero Waste, laying out a strategic plan to achieve this 90% diversion rate city-wide by 2030.
Review the Roadmap to Zero Waste For A Resilient Pittsburgh
We’ve all heard “Reduce, Reuse. Recycle” But you may not know that these waste reduction strategies are listed in order of importance or effectiveness.
It starts with prevention or reduction, and over-consumption is a key factor. It begins in the store. Whenever possible, drive to the store to pick up the item you need to reduce your cardboard and packaging usage. Then, next in order of effectiveness is reuse. This step is effective for durable goods that still have some life. Then recycling when the item needs to be broken down into its components to be made into something else. Next is energy recovery, allowing for the collection of methane gas from landfills to be used as natural gas for heating and energy or electricity from incineration. And finally, at the bottom of the inverted pyramid – disposal.
How Will We Get There?
- Reducing waste in commercial establishments
- Reducing waste at events
- Engaging Pittsburgh's residents, businesses, and institutions in Zero Waste
- Exploring new ways to reduce and divert waste
All sectors have the opportunity to practice waste avoidance, reduce single-use plastics, and compost with some dedication and practice. The City of Pittsburgh encourages everyone to find viable ways to eliminate waste going in and out of their homes, schools, institutions, and facilities.
Zero Waste Resources
Below are several vendors, consultants, and establishments that can help you reduce your waste!
A full list of event-related vendors and contractors can be found in the Sustainable Events Guide. Note: The listing of a business, nonprofit, or establishment does not signify endorsement by the City of Pittsburgh. If you’d like to see your business or group listed here, please contact Environmental Services at (412) 255-2631.
Refuse & Reduce Paper (junk mail, phonebooks, magazines)
Take back control of your mailbox!
- Find out more about Catalog Choice
Catalog Choice is a non-profit organization that works on your behalf to process opt-out requests for more than 10,000 catalog/junk mail titles.
- Learn more about DMA Choice
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) is a member organization of direct mailers. The DMAChoice is an online tool for consumers to manage their mail preferences and to opt-out of unwanted junk mail.
- Learn more about OptOutPrescreen.com
OptOutPrescreen.com is the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry's website for consumers to opt-in/opt-out of firm offers for credit and insurance.
- Learn more about Paper Retriever
Paper Retriever, hosted by Royal Oak, is a free revenue-generating service that pays you based on volume and market to host collection bins on your property, benefitting both the environment and your organization.
- Learn more about Yellow Pages Opt-Out
The National Yellow Pages Consumer Choice and Opt-Out site allows residents to opt-out of the delivery of local directory publications.
Reduce Packaging, Buy in Bulk
Cut down on packaging by avoiding individually wrapped and single-use items. Invest in re-usable shopping bags or totes to use when you shop. Local stores that promote bulk purchasing:
Reduce & Conserve Energy
Reuse
- Learn more about Center for Creative Reuse
Nonprofit art supply shop that sells donated used art and craft supplies and hosts programming about the benefits of reuse.
- Learn more about Construction Junction
Nonprofit that sells donated building materials and furniture and coordinates deconstruction efforts to salvage usable items for unoccupied properties. Pick-up and drop-off services available.
- Learn more about Reuse Fest
Yearly festival hosted by Pennsylvania Resources Council to donate gently used materials – from clothing to building materials to dog beds – to local nonprofits. Check website for full list of accepted items.
Rot / Compost
Under City code 619, residents are allowed to compost in their backyards. Many retailers sell compost bins in various sizes. If backyard composting isn’t feasible, below are vendors offering commercial options for business and/or alternative options for residents.
Hard-to-Recycle
Tire collection program at East End Drop-Off Center, Hazelwood Drop-off Center, and West End Drop-Off Center.
These recycling programs are designed to provide residents with safe and convenient recycling of any electronic devices or household chemicals.
PRC hosts a variety of Hard-To-Recycle events around the region to help with proper recycling/disposal of items.
View their recycling resources handout(PDF, 271KB) for even more options on where to take your items.
Tire recycling with pickup and drop-off services.
last updated: 03/31/2026