Climate Action

The Piedmont City Council adopted the City of Piedmont Climate Action Plan 2.0 (CAP) on March 19, 2018. Replacing the original CAP adopted in 2010, the CAP 2.0 updates the City's climate action priorities and sets greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 40% below 2005 emissions levels by the year 2030 and 80% below 2005 emissions levels by the year 2050. One of the key priorities of the CAP is waste diversion and minimizing consumption to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2030 in order to meet the City's reduction targets.

To access the latest draft for the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0, visit the Climate Action Program page.

1.1: ESTABLISH A WASTE DIVERSION TARGET FOR 2030

1.1A: Adopt a resolution to achieve 85% waste reduction and diversion by 2030. Â Piedmont has dramatically reduced its solid waste emissions since 2005. However, adopting a resolution will help the City continue its success and also demonstrate its climate leadership.

1.2: PROVIDE EDUCATION ON WAYS TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION AND DIVERT WASTE FROM LANDFILL

1.2A: Promote educational programs and community engagement and outreach on reducing food waste, recycling, and landfill diversion.

1.2B: Encourage composting within the City through education and community engagement about proper green waste sorting, providing compostable bags and countertop compost bins, and education about backyard composting.

1.2C: Promote “fixit” clinics to educate residents on how to repair items instead of throwing them away.

1.2D: Provide education and community engagement on items accepted in bulk pick up programs to ensure proper disposal of appliances and other bulky refuse.

1.2E: Provide education and community engagement on where to drop-off specialized waste, such as paint, fats, grease, oils, and other items that cannot go in curb side or bulk pickup.

1.2F: Investigate developing an online, GHG reduction tracking platform for Piedmont residents to track their actions related to waste that may affect their carbon footprint and to participate in community-wide GHG reduction challenges.

1.2G: Provide updated detailed information about which specific materials are currently being recycled by Piedmont’s waste hauler, rather than shipped elsewhere for disposal. Educate residents on the fact that recycling is a market- based program, and that if there is no market for a material, it will not be recycled.

1.2H: Educate residents about the different types of plastic and the limitations of plastic recycling. Create awareness that putting a plastic item in the blue recycling bin does not mean it will actually be recycled. Encourage the decreased consumption of plastics and plastic packaging.

1.3: REDUCE CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE

1.3A: Promote alternatives to traditional building demolition such as relocation, deconstruction, and salvage.

1.3B: Partner with nearby cities to provide contractor training on deconstruction as an alternative to demolition.

2.1: INCLUDE GHG REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN WASTE HAULER CONTRACTS

2.1A: Prioritize high diversion rates when selecting a waste hauler and/or renegotiation contracts.

2.1B: Include a provision in the City’s solid waste services agreement for periodic waste characterization studies.

2.1C: Encourage the waste hauler to use fuel efficient vehicles.

2.1D: Have the waste hauler hold an annual compost giveaway