Recycling and Resource Management
Recycling and Resource Management is among the largest and most rapidly growing industries in America. As more cities and businesses develop sustainability and zero waste policies, the need increases for personnel who can properly manage resource use and recycling. The Recycling and Resource Management curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, exploring recycling and resource management form a variety of perspectives and in a variety of settings. Core curriculum will provide students with an in-depth study of waste diversion and resource management, emphasizing cultural, community, and business applications. Courses cover governmental and organizational policies, practices, and procedures in waste and resource management, inducing best management practices and successful community and educational zero-waste programs.
RRM 1 | Introduction to Recycling Resource Management3 unitsTransfer: CSU Satisfies Global Citizenship This course introduces general terminology and principles regarding waste, recycling, resource management and Zero Waste. The history of waste and resource management in California, including residential, commercial and institutional reuse, recycling, and composting programs, is addressed. An overview of national, state, and local legislation and regulations related to waste and resource management and recycling is provided. The course covers waste diversion practices such as reduce, reuse, recycle, and also introduces principles in recovery, remanufacturing and repurchasing. |
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RRM 2 | Culture and Zero Waste3 unitsTransfer: CSU This course will provide an overview of our “throw-away” culture and the motivations behind consumerism and related waste disposal practices. Key issues of the course include carbon footprint, plastics in our environment, consumer laws and cultural mindsets. The course will identify key government agencies and policies and how to collaborate and obtain funding for outreach. Environmental educational skills, programs, and methods will be reviewed. Case studies of successful youth campaigns will be explored and the basics of establishing strong educational programs examined. |
RRM 3 | Resource Management and Zero Waste for Communities3 unitsTransfer: CSU This course will identify how resource management and Zero Waste policies and programs are developed within a community, what type of planning and facilities are needed, and how to finance the systems. Students will also review sample sustainability and zero waste plans and will discuss different approaches communities have taken to developing Zero Waste goals. Students will also learn about tools for local government, best practices for RFPs (Request for Proposals) and contracts, enforcement options, design of resource recovery parks, performance reporting and financial records, Extended Producer Responsibility and Local Producer Responsibility policies and programs, bans, rules and incentives, and local markets and uses for discarded resources. |
RRM 4 | Resource Management and Zero Waste in Business3 unitsTransfer: CSU This course will provide hands-on applications and tools for businesses to design, implement and oversee waste reduction and resource management programs. It will review a variety of best practices for successful waste diversion and recovery in businesses, detailing how businesses can implement those practices to achieve Zero Waste. Examination of case studies will be used to demonstrate how different companies have implemented successful waste diversion and sustainability programs, including triple bottom line business practices. This course will also provide students with an understanding of how to plan and implement commercial food and organics programs. |