Sustainable materials management planning and implementation

Communities and organizations today face increasing pressure from aggressive zero-waste mandates, climate action goals, and the global shift toward a circular economy.

Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) is a systemic approach to using and reusing materials more productively throughout their entire lifecycles, moving beyond simple disposal to resource recovery. When this service is delivered successfully, you possess a data-backed roadmap that minimizes environmental impact, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and transforms waste streams into valuable economic resources.

What we do

Raftelis provides specialized expertise in transitioning from traditional disposal to integrated material management. We have helped diverse clients—from high-density urban centers to regional waste authorities—navigate the complexities of the circular economy.

Our experience spans the entire material lifecycle, ensuring that diversion programs are supported by sound policy and robust financial planning.

Zero waste leadership

At the core of our SMM practice is a proven track record in developing Zero Waste Master Plans and Circular Economy Strategies. We assist agencies in setting realistic, phased diversion targets and identifying the specific programs—from curbside organics to hard-to-recycle material drop-offs—required to meet them. Our plans are built on a foundation of "what-if" financial modeling to ensure that ambitious environmental goals do not compromise the utility’s fiscal health.

Organics and diversion strategy

Raftelis excels in the technical and legislative aspects of organics management. With increasing mandates for diverting food waste, we provide critical feasibility studies for composting and anaerobic digestion facilities. We conduct sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of shifting material streams on existing collection infrastructure, helping clients pivot their strategies to meet regulatory requirements while optimizing route efficiency.

Policy and regulatory support

Our expertise extends into the evolving landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and local ordinance development. We help clients draft and implement policies that drive behavior change, such as "Pay-As-You-Throw" (PAYT) rate structures and mandatory recycling ordinances, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates while fostering community buy-in.

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Our process

Raftelis moves beyond the "take-make-waste" model by prioritizing data accuracy and stakeholder engagement. We use waste characterization data and market analysis to identify high-impact diversion opportunities. Our approach works because we don't just recommend "green" initiatives; we integrate them into the client’s existing operational and financial frameworks to ensure they are both executable and affordable.