A recent report from CalRecycle estimates that transitioning to a zero-waste economy could create 531,000 jobs in California. In Stanislaus County, activists are pursuing similar goals with a plan from Valley Improvement Projects (VIP) aiming for at least 90% waste diversion by 2040, roughly twice the current rate.
The effort aligns with broader state initiatives and was discussed at an October forum in Modesto attended by Katrina Leni-Konig, a deputy director at CalRecycle. She addressed issues around consumerism and waste: “Unfortunately,” Leni-Konig said, “they earn more money by selling you crap that you don’t need, essentially, and that’s the true problem of humanity.” Leni-Konig oversees CalRecycle’s Office of Environmental Justice, Tribal Relations, Education and Outreach.
At the forum—part of VIP’s annual Environmental Justice Conference—speakers promoted everyday actions such as shopping secondhand and reusing containers. They also encouraged changes in manufacturing to cut down on packaging materials.
VIP released its zero-waste plan in May 2024 during its campaign against the county’s trash-burning power plant. That facility closed after 45 years; now most local waste goes to the Fink Road landfill. Landfills emit methane as organic matter decomposes—a significant factor in climate change—while composting reduces these emissions by adding oxygen to decaying material.
Modesto has operated a large-scale composting site since 1997. The city recently received a $50,000 grant from the Closed Loop Partners Composting Consortium and the Biodegradable Products Institute to educate residents about compostable packaging and update collection bin labels. Rhodes Yepsen, executive director of the institute, stated: “This grant program is more than just funding. It’s about building a foundation for a circular bioeconomy that works in practice and eventually at scale.”
Yepsen suggested that local industries could switch from plastic packaging to compostable alternatives without sacrificing product quality.
Although many plastics decompose slowly or harm wildlife if littered, advocates acknowledge that not all items can be recycled or composted easily. For example, thoroughly cleaning certain containers may use excessive water resources; some items like diapers and pet waste are prohibited from green bins due to processing limitations.
VIP acknowledged imperfections in its own operations—for instance, serving food wrapped in single-use plastic at its event because alternatives were unavailable—but used compostable plates and reusable utensils when possible.
Historically, Modesto was among early adopters of curbside recycling programs. Currently about one-third of county waste is diverted through recycling efforts involving metals, plastics, glass, and other materials. Some processed materials remain within the region—such as those used by E.&J. Gallo Winery’s glass plant—potentially creating jobs while reducing transportation-related emissions.
Local companies also recycle steel for food canneries and cardboard for packaging; others offer products like milk in returnable glass bottles directly to consumers.
Climate concerns have heightened interest in zero-waste strategies due to risks posed by rising temperatures and sea levels affecting agriculture and communities statewide.
Based on CalRecycle data from 2021 cited by VIP’s plan, Stanislaus County sent over 664,000 tons of waste to landfills or incinerators while diverting nearly 591,000 tons through recycling or other means—including programs for items like tires and mattresses.
While job projections specific to Stanislaus were not detailed by VIP itself—drawing instead on estimates from global nonprofit Gaia—the share implied by population would be about 7,000 new positions if statewide forecasts hold true.
CalRecycle also referenced economic development tied to turning agricultural residue into fuels or materials under initiatives like Stanislaus 2030—a concept VIP views critically when it comes to producing jet fuel from old orchard trees but supports where it promotes local food production over export-oriented crops.
Speakers included representatives from organizations involved historically in anti-incineration campaigns such as Berkeley Ecology Center as well as Californians Against Waste Director Nick Lapis who highlighted legislative progress on container deposits and clearer expiration dates on foods. Lapis reassured residents they need not meet extreme standards set by some prominent zero-waste advocates but should focus on practical steps instead.
