Teton County is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional and national leader in zero waste. As home to the Tetons and a destination for over 3.5 million annual visitors to this treasured natural landscape, we are poised to inform and influence a broad audience.
We are doing so already. Teton County businesses, residents and visitors currently divert 34% of their discarded materials from the landfill through reuse, recycling and composting. In many places across our Nation, recycling and other waste diversion is mandatory. Achieving 34% through a completely voluntary program is commendable and allows many opportunities for improvement.
Strengths and Opportunities identified by an independent consultant, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc., “Jackson Community Recycling Long Range Plan,” 2010.