From 2015 to 2023, Denali National Park and surrounding communities were part of a Zero-Landfill Project, funded by Subaru of America Incorporated.
The national Zero-Landfill Project was created to find ways to manage the 100 million pounds of trash produced at America’s national parks each year. Denali, along with Grand Teton and Yosemite national parks were part of the initial pilot program.
Denali National Park installed recycling bins for aluminum, glass, and plastic. The Park also encourages reusable bags and water bottles. Those changes also extend to the communities around the Park from Healy to Talkeetna.
Jodi Rodwell, Executive Director of Denali Education Center says that as an organization, they are focused on educating the community. The DEC also wants to help businesses get started with their own zero-waste efforts by assisting with recycling and reducing waste.
Though the Zero-Landfill Project is no longer funded, the businesses and community organizations, including DEC, continue to meet. The meetings are well-attended and include non-profits, the National Park Service, Denali Borough staff, Talkeetna Recycling Works, and local businesses from Healy to Talkeetna.
The group will plan a cleanup in Talkeetna to be headquartered in the Village Park with a date to be determined. This year’s spring cleanup was canceled. DEC plans to provide trash grabbers, bags, and gloves. The Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling, or ALPAR, will provide yellow bags that are accepted at the transfer stations and landfill for free.
Rodwell says the Zero-Landfill Project group will continue to look for ways to reduce waste, improve recycling, and provide reusable options for visitors and residents.
