Zero Waste Initiative Aims for 90% Diversion by 2025 Following 82% Success

The Home Resource Zero Waste Lunch & Learn Series held on August 5, 2025, in Missoula, Montana, focused on the city's progress and future goals regarding waste diversion. The meeting highlighted the significant achievements made in waste management over the past few years, particularly the increase in waste diversion rates.

The discussion began with a report on the city's success in diverting 82% of waste in the previous year, a notable increase from 74% in 2023. The goal for 2025 is to reach a 90% diversion rate, which aligns with the city's broader objective of achieving zero waste by 2050.

Participants reflected on the challenges faced in earlier years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which limited opportunities for waste education and partnership development. The years 2021 and 2022 saw attempts at implementing zero waste initiatives, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful due to minimal partner involvement.

A key factor in the recent success has been the establishment of strong partnerships, particularly with Home Resource and Sarah Holden from the municipal county extension. Their contributions have energized the community and fostered a collaborative spirit essential for advancing zero waste initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue building on these partnerships and to implement strategies aimed at achieving the ambitious waste diversion goals set for the coming years. The focus remains on education and community engagement as vital components of the zero waste movement in Missoula.