Achievements

The Circular Economy and Zero Waste (CEZW) Task Force is rapidly advancing Mason towards a zero-waste future.

Explore a timeline of their accomplishments.

April 8, 2022: Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizes Mason and the CEZW Task Force, stating that “The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize those that are leading by example in the Commonwealth,” adding that “These thirteen winners and two honorable mentions have created proactive solutions in their communities.”
March 29, 2022: Governor Glenn Youngkin awards the CEZW Task Force the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award – Gold for the “Greening of Government” category. The award recognizes the CEZW Task Force’s work, which included best practice development and green purchasing as well as single-use plastics and waste reduction planning and initiatives.
September 2021: The strategic plan to prioritize and implement zero-waste solutions is released! This plan is currently active and being implemented.
July 2021: All single-use plastic and polystyrene food containers, straws, cutlery, and water bottles are eliminated! Single-use plastic and polystyrene items are replaced with compostable alternatives that can be industrially composted with Mason’s partner, Freestate Farms.
July 2021: All plastic shopping bags are eliminated! Folks are encouraged to bring and use reusable bags.
July 2021: All single-use plastic water bottles are eliminated and replaced with aluminum cans!
- Water is still available from the tap, water fountains, and at refill stations. The CEZW Task Force worked with Coca-Cola to confirm the elimination of all single-use plastic bottles by 2025, with very limited potential exemptions or extensions for lines that cannot be offered in aluminum cans or alternative means (e.g., fountain or other refill options, glass, boxes, etc.), pending regulatory approval.