The Fisherman’s Wharf Zero Waste Business Recognition Program was created to encourage waste prevention and reduction, recycling, and composting at all businesses.  Our goal is to develop a zero waste zone where all business achieve zero waste by 2017, ahead of the San Francisco Board of Supervisor's 679-02 Resolution mandating a zero waste by 2020.  By organizing and unifying the residents, retailers, restaurants, landowners, tourist destinations, special events, and the fishing industry, the FWCBD provides an unprecedented opportunity to develop a uniform zero waste program, promote Recology's organics and recycling services, and disseminate information through the FWCBD's listserv, community meetings, workshops, newsletters, and website.

The FWCBD launched a zero waste business recognition program to recognize businesses that recycle and compost over 90% of the materials generated that would otherwise go to landfill.  By participating in the recognition program for your business, management, staff, and visitors make a positive contribution to the conservation of Earth’s resources while enjoying an important part of community life in San Francisco.   A zero waste business consistently demonstrates a commitment to reduce their environmental impact to zero, or as close as practically possible.  Business that achieve zero waste will receive the following recognitions:

• Use of the Zero Waste Business logo for self-promotion
• Recognition Award from the FWCBD board meeting
• Promotion on the FWCBD website to be listed as a Zero Waste Business
• Promotion to the media and other news sources

To receive zero waste business recognition, the following criteria must be met:

• Commitment to the triple bottom line where social, environmental and economic performance standards are met together.
• Divert more than 90% of the solid wastes we generate from landfill from all of our facilities.
• Buy reused, recycled & composted whenever possible
• Edible food is donated in accordance with the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
• Encourage source reduction to minimize the generation of waste.
• Promote reuse of unwanted items.
• Tonnages of material collected while meeting the above criteria is entered into the zero waste recognition application form

How to Apply to the Zero Waste Business Recognition Program?

Step 1 – Apply: Complete and submit the on-line application form.

Step 2 – Review & Approval: Applications will be accepted and reviewed continuously.  The FWCBD zero waste team will contact you with notification of approval within 7 calendar days of receipt.

Step 3 – Report: Submit proof of material disposal and diversion by weight and type for the last 3 months to zerowaste@visitfishermanswharf.com.  A team member may contact you with clarification questions after the review process before recognition is awarded.

Step 4 – Monitoring & Assessment: After the application is approved, arrangements will be made for a FWCBD team member to conduct an on-site evaluation to ensure the business has met all the certification criteria.

Step 5 – Recognition: If recognition is awarded, the zero waste team member will notify you of the recognition award 15 calendar days after the on-site evaluation.  If recognition is not approved then the team member will meet with the businesses to determine ways to increase diversion from the landfill.