IDT Deploys ‘Wet and Dry’ Waste Management Program, Achieves Zero Waste

Technology firm Integrated Device Technology (IDT) has achieved zero waste after deploying a “wet and dry” waste management program to increase recycling and composting at its San Jose, California, headquarters.

IDT instituted the zero waste program in January 2015. Under the program, there are only two types of bins: wet bins for all compostable material, and dry bins for all recyclables and landfill material. Since implementing the program, the company says it has reduced food waste contamination in the recycling bins and achieved more than a 20 percent increase in the compost rate.

“We studied various options and determined the wet and dry program would be the most effective in meeting our goals — streamlining recycling, reducing food waste contamination in the recycling bins, and encouraging composting — while keeping it simple for our employees,” says Sailesh Chittipeddi, IDT’s chief technology officer and vice president of global operations.

San Jose has set a goal to achieve zero waste by 2022. City council member Ash Kalra says other companies can follow IDT’s example to help the city meet its target.

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