Have you ever wondered how Yosemite approaches environmental sustainability? Yosemite is known around the world for its picturesque natural wonders: waterfalls, giant sequoias, polished granite domes. But there’s another, less inspiring feature that doesn’t make the postcards: the tons of trash that end up in the park each year.

As the park’s primary philanthropic partner, Yosemite Conservancy funds dozens of projects each year to restore meadows and trails, expand scientists’ understanding of climate change and intricate ecosystems, and help people of all ages learn about, experience and take care of the park. We recognize that prioritizing environmental sustainability in the park, including by reducing the amount of landfill waste generated each year, is essential to Yosemite’s future.

We’re excited to be partnering with Subaru, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the National Park Foundation on efforts to reduce waste in Yosemite, and to pursue grant-funded sustainability projects with support from our donors.

 

Zero Landfill Initiative

In 2015, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Subaru of America teamed up to launch the Zero Landfill Initiative (ZLI) to reduce waste in national parks, starting with pilot programs in Denali, Grand Teton and Yosemite. Since the initiative began, the three national park pilots combined have diverted 16 million pounds of waste from their local landfills.

A water bottle refilling station at The Depot, the Conservancy’s bookstore at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near Yosemite’s South Entrance). Photo: Yosemite Conservancy/Josh Helling.

In Yosemite, initial waste-reducing projects have included upgrading receptacles for trash and recycling and adding water bottle refill stations. Yosemite Conservancy has supported the park’s ZLI efforts for years, and we took on a leadership role in 2021. Our Zero Landfill and Sustainability Coordinator is working with the National Park Service, Yosemite Hospitality, ZLI leaders and other partners to pursue projects that advance environmental sustainability in the park and help move Yosemite toward zero-waste status.

Reducing Yosemite’s landfill-bound waste is critical. Park visitors significantly outnumber local residents; in 2019, trash from Yosemite accounted for nearly a quarter of the solid waste that ended up at the landfill in Mariposa County. Less trash in the park means fewer overflowing garbage cans that can endanger bears and other wildlife by drawing animals into developed areas. Plus, reducing waste can help shrink Yosemite’s carbon footprint!

This project is made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America.

In 2017, students from the Yosemite Leadership Program at University of California, Merced, created a “found art” sculpture of a bear using items collected during the annual Yosemite Facelift, a volunteer park-wide clean-up event. Photo: Courtesy of NPS.

Sustainability Projects

Through the Zero Landfill Initiative and other efforts, we’re focusing on critical projects that reduce environmental impacts in the park and align with the Conservancy’s mission, to preserve Yosemite’s resources and enhance visitor experiences for all. Initial projects include:

 

Compost Pilot 

When food scraps and other organic materials decompose in landfills, they produce methane, a greenhouse gas. During a 2015 waste audit in Yosemite, we found that annually 684.8 tons of organic materials were being sent to the local landfill, making up 32% of the park’s total annual landfill waste.

Composting is a way to help organic material break down aerobically, without releasing methane, resulting in a nutrient-rich substance that can be used for farming, gardening and more. In Yosemite, a lot of compostable matter ends up in the trash. We’re working with our partners to expand and improve composting processes in the park.

Propane Canister Pilot 

When single-use propane cylinders are discarded, they’re classified as hazardous waste. They’re costly to collect, store, transport and recycle, and they often end up in the trash. Around 24,000 used-up cylinders are collected in recycling areas in Yosemite each year, and an unknown number are thrown out.

The Conservancy, the NPS and Yosemite Hospitality are working together to reduce improper disposal of single-use propane cylinders. In Yosemite, you can buy reusable, returnable propane canisters at multiple locations, including The Village Store, Curry Village Gift Shop, Mountain Shop, Wawona Store and El Portal Market. After you use the fuel, exchange your empty cylinder for a full one at a lower price through Little Kamper’s exchange program. (Note: Little Kamper’s exchange uses green Flameking 1 lb. propane tanks. If you have an empty 1 lb. Flameking tank, you may exchange it for a full Little Kamper tank.)

Watch the video here.

Cleaner Transportation 

In 2018, the Conservancy and the NPS launched the Yosemite Bike Share, a free program for people to use for quick pedal-powered rides in Yosemite Valley, as an alternative to driving. Since that pilot year, we’ve refined the program to make it even more user-friendly, and we’ve tripled the number of bikes available. Look for the blue bikes stationed in the Yosemite Village area during the summer season! Learn more about the program and check out an interactive bike map of the Valley.

The Conservancy is also working with the NPS, Adopt-a-Charger and Rivian to expand the park’s network of electric vehicle charging stations in Yosemite Valley and Wawona. The new equipment will make it easier for park visitors, staff and residents to recharge electric cars, and it will power park shuttles, local buses and other transit vehicles as they transition from diesel.

Strategic Partnerships

We’re proud to work with a variety of partners on sustainability initiatives in Yosemite, including: 

 

How You Can Help

  • Reduce packaging. Leave boxes, plastic wrappers and other packaging at home — or opt for items that don’t require as much packaging to begin with, like bulk food and reusable utensils.
  • Use it again. When possible, choose gear and accessories that can be used more than once, such as refillable bottles for drinks, soap and cooking oil; reusable plates and napkins; and rechargeable devices.
  • Don’t ditch your stuff. Take your gear and supplies with you when you leave the park. If you don’t need your tent, stove or hiking boots anymore, consider donating them to an organization that collects used outdoor gear.
  • Toss it in the right spot. If you need to dispose of items in the park, look for the proper, marked bins for recycling (some plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals), composting (organic materials, like food scraps), and trash (anything that can’t be recycled or composted).
  • Pack to be Zero Waste. Plan ahead and prepare before your trip with these tips.

 

What’s Next?

We’re in the beginning phases of this initiative, and we look forward to sharing progress as we work together to create a better Yosemite for the future. Keep an eye on this page and follow us on social media for updates!