We work to develop and implement design strategies within buildings and public spaces to help cities equitably achieve zero waste.

The Center for Zero Waste Design builds advocacy campaigns and vision plans alongside community organizations, nonprofit coalitions, and municipalities to integrate best practices for zero waste into programming and design of buildings and the public realm.

Small Buildings : Sidewalk Bins or Shared Street Containers?

NYC’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) requires all residential buildings with 1-9 units to purchase standard 2-wheeled bins to set out trash for collection, while buildings with 10-30 units will have the option to use these bins or street containers.  Nearly...

Don’t Kill Community Composting in New York City

Food waste is the part of garbage that makes it disgusting. When sealed in plastic bags with other trash, food waste putrefies, releasing foul odors and garbage juice, attracting rodents and roaches. When it winds up in landfills, food waste...

“Where Trash Belongs,” Vital City

Vital City commissioned an article by Clare Miflin and Benjamin Miller on how to best integrate waste containerization into New York City’s streetscapes so it can bring many more benefits than just hiding the trash...