FAQs

It is a regional plan to move from a “take-make-waste” system to a circular economy where materials stay in use and waste is reduced.

It helps protect the environment, creates local jobs, and builds a stronger economy for everyone.

It builds off past and current County efforts to support small businesses, enhance economic prosperity, advance climate action, and move toward zero waste.  It also uses a regionwide view of how materials move, so we can plan at the right scale.

It’s a system where products and materials are reused, repaired, remanufactured, and recycled instead of thrown away.

It can create jobs, bring in new investment, help local businesses grow, and reduce the cost and impacts of sending materials to landfills.

• Gather input on successes, challenges, and opportunities
• Identify trusted partners and communication channels
• Build a shared culture of reuse and circular practices
• Document strategies, programs, and policies that support reuse, job creation, innovation, and reduce disposal
• Identify new ways for businesses and organizations to succeed and stay profitable

It will be developed after community engagement and completed by the end of 2026.

The roadmap will identify ways for businesses to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and find new opportunities for materials recovery and profitability.

You may see more options for repair, reuse, and sharing services in your community.

The County and its partners will use it to guide programs, policies, and investments that advance a circular economy. It may also offer you new ways to think about material use and disposal—and even spark ideas for new business models or community activities.

We are gathering input to ensure the recommendations are fair, practical, and reflective of community needs. It will inform strategies and programs that support reuse, job creation, and innovation.

Anyone in the region may participate, including residents and businesses in unincorporated communities, cities, and Tribal lands.

You can take the survey, join community meetings, share comments on the Engage page, review the draft plan during the public comment period, or attend Community Climate Conversations starting in Spring 2026.

Yes! Many small businesses and entrepreneurs are already helping shape this effort, and we welcome more input. This project aims to highlight, expand, and create opportunities in repair, reuse, upcycling, and other circular activities. Please consider sharing your experience with us.