In late 1987, an infamous Long Island trash barge found itself in an unenviable situation when five states and three foreign countries refused to accept the garbage it hauled. This well-publicized event helped catalyze a national commitment to waste management, with a renewed emphasis on reducing, reusing, and recycling. During the same era, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also began to initiate partnerships with businesses to develop innovative approaches to environmental protection. As part of this national campaign, EPA launched WasteWise in 1994 as a voluntary partnership program designed to assist businesses in developing practical solid waste reduction techniques. Initially consisting of 281 Charter Partners, the program represented across-section of American companies ranging from communications firms to restaurants to large utilities. From its inception, the program emphasized waste prevention-using less material to do the same job-because this provides the most significant benefits to the environment and the bottom line. As the WasteWise program evolved, its membership expanded to include state, local, and tribal governments, as well as schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations. By the mid-1990s, the program included more than 50 sectors. WasteWise established the endorser program in 1995 to enlist trade associations, state and local agencies, and nonprofits to help spread the waste reduction message. A fundamental objective of the program was to promote waste reduction strategies-both innovative and tried-and-true-among diverse organizations and in varying contexts across the country.

Cover title. "Celebrating 10 years of WasteWise."