Circular Economy

Zero Waste to Landfill

Meaning statusEstablishedSource recordDirect document linkedWhy these are different

Definition

Zero waste to landfill is a performance goal, typically set at facility or company level, in which no operational waste is disposed of to landfill. Verification schemes such as the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification require diversion rates of at least 90 per cent, with the most stringent ratings demanding full landfill avoidance.

References

www.epa.govBulk import source

This reference provides supporting context for how “Zero Waste to Landfill” is defined and used.

true.gbci.orgBulk import source

Source imported for editorial provenance.

Overview

How it is used

Manufacturers set ZWTL targets for sites and report achievement in sustainability disclosures; certification bodies verify diversion; green building programmes credit ZWTL performance; procurement teams use it as a supplier criterion.

Why it matters

Landfill is the lowest rung of the waste hierarchy; verifiable landfill avoidance drives investment in reduction, reuse and recycling infrastructure and delivers measurable circular-economy progress.