Target 5

Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Could this be your career mission?

Below are employers you could work for, occupations they employ, and education and training programs to prepare you to achieve this target.

Employers

Zero Waste International Alliance: A global organization working towards promoting the adoption of Zero Waste principles and practices.
Recycle Across America: Standardizes recycling labels to help people recycle right and reduce contamination in recycling streams.
Waste Reduction Partners: Provides waste reduction and resource efficiency services to businesses and industries to help them minimize waste.
Plastic Pollution Coalition: Dedicated to reducing plastic pollution and its toxic impacts by promoting sustainable alternatives and advocating for policy changes.
Keep America Beautiful: Engages communities to act in improving waste management, recycling, and beautification efforts across the United States.
WasteAid: Promotes waste management and recycling solutions to reduce environmental pollution and improve livelihoods in developing countries.
The Story of Stuff Project: Focuses on changing the way society makes, uses, and disposes of stuff to create a more sustainable and just world.
Eco-Cycle: A non-profit that promotes Zero Waste solutions, recycling education, and community engagement.
The Sierra Club Zero Waste Committee: Works on promoting Zero Waste policies and practices at the local, state, and national levels.
Recycling Partnership: Collaborates with various stakeholders to improve recycling programs, increase recycling rates, and reduce contamination in the recycling stream.

Training

Waste Management and Recycling Certification Programs: Cover the fundamentals of waste management, recycling technologies, and sustainable waste practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Management Courses: Provide a broader understanding of environmental issues, including waste reduction strategies.
Zero Waste Training Programs: Focus on the principles and practices of achieving Zero Waste goals within organizations and communities.
Circular Economy Training: Explore the principles of the circular economy, emphasizing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials to minimize waste.
Green Building Certification Programs: Training in green building practices includes waste reduction strategies in construction and building management.
Environmental Science Degrees or Certificates: Provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, including waste management and reduction.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management Courses: Focus on sustainable practices within the supply chain, including waste reduction initiatives.
Waste-to-Energy Technology Training: Cover the technologies involved in converting waste into energy, an increasingly important aspect of waste management.
Environmental Health and Safety Training: Cover occupational health and safety aspects related to waste management and reduction.
Resource Efficiency Training Programs: Aim to educate individuals on optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and enhancing overall efficiency.

Occupations

Waste Reduction Specialists: Analyze waste streams and develop strategies to minimize waste generation within organizations.
Recycling Coordinators: Coordinate and manage recycling programs, ensuring proper collection, sorting, and disposal of recyclable materials.
Sustainability Managers and Directors: Oversee and implement sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, within an organization.
Environmental Scientists: Study and analyze the environmental impact of waste and implementing measures to reduce it.
Waste Management Consultants: Providing advice and guidance to organizations on efficient waste management practices and technologies.
Zero Waste Coordinators: Promote and implement Zero Waste principles and practices within an organization or community.
Supply Chain Sustainability Managers: Reduce waste throughout the supply chain by implementing sustainable practices.
Green Building Consultants: Incorporate waste reduction strategies into construction projects and building designs.
Circular Economy Analysts: Study and implement circular economy principles to minimize waste by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.
Waste-to-Energy Engineers: Develop and implement technologies that convert waste into energy, helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Back to Goal 12 Targets

Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Could this be your career mission? Below are employers you could work for, occupations they employ, and education and training programs to prepare you to achieve this target.

Employers

Could this be your career mission?

Below are employers you could work for, occupations they employ, and education and training programs to prepare you to achieve this target.