Waste Reduction and
Materials Management Plans
25+ YEARS OF
Waste Initiative Partnerships in the Midwest
Partnering with Delta Institute on your waste-related goals equips you with a passionate team of specialists who you can rely on to guide you through each step of the way. We are experienced in developing and implementing plans that are actionable, collaborative, and effective at reducing waste and creating new economic opportunities.
Reduce,
Reuse…
Re-envision
After decades of working on waste initiatives in the Midwest, we know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to every community’s waste challenges. Finding the time, the resources, or even simply the knowhow of where to start can be a daunting task for any agency wanting to develop or update its waste management plan, regardless if that agency represents a population of a few thousand residents or an urban center of millions.
That’s why Delta Institute has committed to partnering with communities in their waste reduction goals for the past 25+ years. We thrive on opportunities that help counties and municipalities develop waste strategies that are effective, efficient, and impactful. Whether your community is looking for incremental improvements or if you choose a more aspirational goal, Delta Institute excels in developing actionable strategies along each step of the assessment, planning, and implementation process.
OUR STRENGTHS
Scale to hit your goals
Whether you’re looking for a simple update to keep your goals on track or if you’re looking for a robust strategy with innovative ideas and community engagement, Delta Institute is able to scale your waste-related scope of work to support your community’s vision.
Reframe for economic growth
Promoting deconstruction as an alternative to demolition not only helps divert materials from landfills—it’s also an economic driver that creates jobs in your community. We’ve helped launch successful programs in Chicago, Detroit, Gary, and St. Louis.
Funding available
Many state programs exist to help your community underwrite the costs to create or update your materials management plan. Partnering with Delta Institute is a way to help ensure that your county is compliant with state guidelines and state grant programs.
FEATURED WASTE REDUCTION PROJECTS
MATERIALS / SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Chicago Waste Strategy
Delta Institute developed Chicago’s 2021 Waste Strategy to help increase its diversion rate. We worked with dozens of stakeholders to create 63 strategic recommendations for implementation. The strategy has increased equitable access to community composting and invested more resources into the City’s waste services.
deconstruction planning and implementation
St. Louis Deconstruction Pilot
The City of St. Louis and US EPA Region 7 hired Delta Institute to develop a market assessment for local deconstruction opportunities. This resulted in Delta Institute revising the City’s demolition handbook, training contractors around building material reuse, and developing the City’s first public deconstruction pilot.
community engagement and education
Lansing Composting Pilot
Delta Institute worked with the City of Lansing to launch a food scrap collection program that introduced composting at 24 private businesses like coffee shops and bakeries, ultimately diverting 1 million pounds of food scraps from landfills in its first 18 months.
LANDFILL CAPACITY ANALYSIS
McHenry County Solid Waste Management Plan
Delta Institute has partnered with McHenry County, IL, to create both a county-wide solid waste management strategy (2012) and provide a 10-year update in 2022. The work scope comprised exploring three task areas: landfill capacity and expansion analysis, legislative activity, and solid waste management trends.
WHY CHOOSE DELTA INSTITUTE?
INNOVATION
Named the winner of Illinois Green’s Emerald Award for Green Innovation in 2018.
NONPROFIT
Partnering with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit means we prioritize mission over profits. We are fully registered to do business like any other firm.
COLLABORATION
Named a finalist for the inaugural Chicago Prize in 2020 in partnership with LVEJO.
TRANSPARENCY
Winner of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency for 6 years — a recognition received by fewer than 1% of all nonprofits.
EXCELLENCE
Received Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in both 2023 and 2024.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Received Charity Navigator’s highest four-star “Give with Confidence” rating annually.
REGIONAL
Named 1 of 29 Environmental Finance Centers supporting the EPA’s commitment to water access for all.
TRUSTED PARTNER
Hired by the Office of the Mayor to develop the Chicago Waste Strategy, which is still being implemented today.
We’d love to hear from you!
If you’re thinking about developing a waste initiative for your county or community, we’d love to schedule a call. Please reach out to us to schedule a free consultation at either 312-554-0900 ext. 31 or send us an email.