By Cecilia Martinez

Ready to go green and save green? If you’re a small business owner in Los Angeles looking to reduce your environmental footprint, earn recognition, and even save money, becoming a Certified Zero Waste Business is an impactful step forward.

With free support from local programs and access to rebates, the path to certification is more accessible than ever and it can lead to long-term savings and increased customer loyalty. It can also help win you contracts! Here’s what you need to know to start your journey toward Zero Waste Certification in Los Angeles.

What Does “Zero Waste” Mean?

A zero waste business diverts 90% or more of all waste generated away from landfills and incineration through reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. This means rethinking how you consume, package, and dispose of materials in every aspect of your operation.

Why Get Certified?

• Recognition: Gain official certification from the City of Los Angeles.
  
• Cost Savings: Lower your disposal fees by producing less trash and taking advantage of free recycling and affordable composting options.
  
• Customer Trust: Eco-conscious customers are more likely to support businesses that align with their values.
  
• Incentives: Rebates and free tools are available through LADWP and SoCalGas to support your transition.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Zero Waste Certified

1. Register with the Green Business Program (City of LA)

Fill out the registration form to get started. You’ll be contacted to set up an introductory meeting where you’ll go over requirements and logistics.

⇒  For more information, email GreenBusiness@usgbc-ca.org.

2.  Schedule a Site Visit

A site visit helps the program team assess what you already have in place and what changes are needed. You’ll receive a follow-up report outlining recommended actions after this meeting.

3. Implement Changes

This is where the work begins! You’ll need to complete required core and elective measures in several focus areas (more on that below). You’ll document your progress with photos, receipts, or written statements.

4. Submit for Final Review

Once your changes are verified, your application is finalized and submitted for approval by the City of Los Angeles.

Zero Waste Tips for Small Businesses

Whether you’re a coffee shop, creative studio, boutique, or service provider, here are ways to make your business greener and meet certification criteria:

Reuse & Reduce

• Use reusable serveware. Ditch those disposable plastic forks and foam cups.

• Avoid plastic packaging whenever possible.
  
• Encourage customers to bring their own bags, mugs, or containers.

Smarter Purchasing

• Choose glass or aluminum containers over plastic.
  
• Buy in bulk to minimize packaging waste.
  
• Switch to paper-based shipping materials instead of plastic.

Waste Diversion

• Set up clearly labeled bins for recycling, compost, and landfill.
  
• Compost ALL eligible food waste. Even meat, dairy, and bread are accepted in LA’s industrial composting system!
  
• Donate usable products and materials instead of discarding them.

Go Digital

• Switch to paperless receipts.
  
• Manage forms and files digitally whenever possible.

How Going Zero Waste Saves You Money

Reducing waste isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your bottom line. Here’s how LA businesses can cut costs:

Waste Type	Size & Frequency	Monthly Cost
Landfill Trash	3-yard bin, 1x/week	$326.04
Trash	96-gallon bin, 1x/week	$136.75
Compost	32-gallon bin, 1x/week	$103.43
Recycling	—	FREE

Tip: Every disposable item you buy means you’re paying twice: once to purchase, and again to dispose.

Other Certification Focus Areas

To qualify as a Certified Green Business, you’ll need to meet sustainability goals beyond waste. These include:

Energy Efficiency

• Switch to LED lighting (LADWP offers rebates!).
  
• Upgrade to Energy Star-rated appliances.
  

Water Conservation

• Retrofit toilets to 1.28 gallons or less (LADWP offers $300 rebates).
  
• Install water-efficient urinals (LADWP offers up to $500 rebates).
  

Pollution Prevention

• Use non-toxic cleaning products with Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice certifications.
  
• Store hazardous materials properly.
  

Community Engagement

• Create and distribute a company wide Environmental Policy Statement.
  
• Include goals for waste reduction, toxin elimination, and water/energy conservation. Get your team on board!
  

Local Resources & Incentives

Here are programs that offer free tools and money saving opportunities to help small businesses succeed:

• LADWP Direct Install Program: Free lighting, aerators, nozzles, and solar support.
  
• LADWP AC Optimization: Improve efficiency of air conditioning systems.
  
• SoCalGas Public Direct Install: Free upgrades for gas-powered equipment.
  
• SoCalGas Small Business Savings Program: Help lower your energy bill, receive no-cost products and more.
  
• C-BEST & Agriculture Energy Efficiency programs for hospitality, restaurants, grocers, and agriculture based businesses.

Ready to Start Your Zero Waste Journey?

Becoming a Certified Zero Waste Business in Los Angeles is easier when you have a clear process, local incentives, and guidance from experts. FOUND/LA is here to support entrepreneurs like you as you build sustainable, future-minded businesses that give back to the communities they serve.

Start your journey by registering today and make sustainability part of your business story.

Register for LA’s Green Business Program
Email: GreenBusiness@usgbc-ca.org

Zero Waste Certification Checklist for LA Small Businesses

Use this checklist to track your progress toward certification:

Getting Started

☐ Register at greenbusinessca.org
☐ Schedule a free intro meeting with the Green Business Program

☐ Complete your initial site assessment

Waste Reduction

☐ Divert at least 90% of your waste from landfill
☐ Set up labeled bins for recycling, compost, and landfill
☐ Eliminate or reduce single-use plastics
☐ Provide reusable or compostable serveware
☐ Donate or repurpose unused materials

Energy & Water

☐ Install LED lighting (use LADWP rebates!)
☐ Upgrade appliances to Energy Star models
☐ Switch to low-flow toilets, urinals, and faucets
☐ Use programmable thermostats and energy efficient HVAC systems

Pollution Prevention

☐ Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products
☐ Store chemicals safely and responsibly
☐ Avoid harmful pesticides or herbicides

Employee & Customer Engagement

☐ Create an Environmental Policy Statement
☐ Train staff on waste sorting and green practices
☐ Promote your green business status to customers

Final Steps

☐ Submit documentation (photos, receipts, policies)
☐ Schedule your final review
☐ Celebrate your certification and share the good news!