Dive Brief:
- The City Council in Austin, TX is considering plans to construct a re-manufacturing hub to recycle materials, instead of sending the recyclables overseas.
- The "eco-industrial park" would transform 107 acres located next to a shuttered landfill into a recycling, reuse and upcycling center called Austin [re]Manufacturing Hub.
- The facility would help Austin move toward reaching its goal of zero waste.
Dive Insight:
The city said it would invest around $8.5 to $10 million into the project, and will likely receive a $1-million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Austin expects construction to begin in early 2015.
The city's waste reduction plan is to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2040.The city plans to accomplish this goal through the implementation of various recycling projects and composting initiatives such as City of Austin Home Composting Rebate Program. These projects facilitate easy recycling, removing a barrier that prevents many from recycling. Studies conclude that the easier it is to recycle, the more likely a resident will be to participate.