The Road to Zero Waste
Zero waste may sound like ambitious goal,
but the Road to Zero Waste is about progress, not perfection.
Our community is working toward 60% waste diversion by 2030, and every step we take makes a difference. Jackson Hole is one of 50+ communities nationwide embracing zero waste principles to save money, create jobs, and protect the environment. In Teton County, the pursuit of less waste means a commitment to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost — keeping as much as possible out of the landfill.
The mission of Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling (ISWR) is to: “Reduce, reuse, recycle and manage municipal solid waste throughout Teton County, Wyoming, in an efficient and environmentally-sound manner.”
Recycling
Recycling in Jackson Hole starts at the Recycling Center, where collected materials are hand-sorted to remove contaminants, achieving a contamination rate of less than 1%. Sorted materials are compacted into bales for easy transport and sold as commodities to recycling mills. The Recycling Center, located south of Jackson at 3270 South Adams Canyon, accepts separated materials like cardboard, aluminum cans, and glass bottles. Residents can also use one of seven community sites or opt for private curbside collection. ISWR also offers a commercial cardboard collection service, ensuring everyone has options to recycle effectively.
Community goals
In fall 2014, Teton County Commissioners took historic action by unanimously adopting a Zero Waste Resolution. As technology progresses, Teton County’s opportunities to divert waste from the landfill will be greater than today, with expanded programs and recycling services. ISWR coordinates the Road to Zero Waste strategies, aiming for 60 percent diversion of landfill waste by 2030. As home to the Tetons and a destination for over 3.5 million visitors annually, Teton County is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional and national leader in Zero Waste, protecting our valley and inspiring broader change.
Composting
Teton County offers yard-waste composting services at the Trash Transfer Station at 5400 W. US Highway 89, as well as three free residential yard waste collection events a year. This composting program accounts for over 50 percent of the total tonnage diverted from the landfill annually. In 2021, ISWR began accepting food scraps for composting. The residential program, launched in 2022, allows residents to self-haul food scraps to the Recycling Center. Commercial food waste generators can also join the “Curb to Compost” or self-haul food waste to the Trash Transfer Station program to reduce their foodprint, supporting local sustainability.
Business Leaders and Nonprofit Partnerships
Small businesses and nonprofits are critical to the valley’s sustainability, so we are proud to partner with both through two distinct programs. Sustainable Business Leaders began as Teton County’s RRR business program and has expanded in partnership with the Riverwind Foundation. Member organizations receive community recognition, networking benefits, face-to-face support, and can pursue an advanced certification. Through the Community Partnerships Program, we collaborate with nonprofits in promoting reducing, reusing, recycling and composting.