Skip to main content Skip to footer unit links
← Back to all capstone projects

Reducing Waste at the Source: A Community Based Framework for Sustainable Waste Management

Student(s):

Jackson Enquist

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment

Site supervisor(s):

Joan Green

Partner(s):

  • rePurpose Whidbey

Faculty advisor(s):

Sarah MacFarland, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

Waste management is a key part of building sustainable communities, yet many local areas still lack clear information about how to properly reduce, reuse, and dispose of waste. Through my capstone project with RePurpose Whidbey, I worked to close that gap by developing the Wasteless Wiki, an online resource that helps people make smarter waste decisions. The goal was to create a community based system that gives residents and businesses on Whidbey Island the tools and knowledge to cut waste at the source and build long term environmental awareness. I gathered data from local facilities, spoke with community members, and partnered with local organizations to make sure the information was accurate, simple, and relevant. The finished site breaks down waste types into easy categories and explains where each material should go while highlighting sustainable alternatives. Early feedback shows that people are using the Wasteless Wiki to make better choices and are more aware of their impact. This project shows how clear communication and local collaboration can make sustainability more practical and accessible for everyone.