In addition to recycling, you can reduce the amount you send to the landfill through waste reduction.
Residential Waste Reduction Tips
- Store leftovers in reusable containers instead of using plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Compost your organic waste
- Use reusable and washable cotton bags instead of using plastic bags when shopping
- Use cloth rags for cleaning around the house instead of disposable ones
- Use reusable utensils, plates, cups and napkins
- Buy products with minimal packaging
- Reuse packing containers and bags
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Donate unwanted items to a thrift store
Business Waste Reduction Tips
- Use a reusable lunch bag instead of a plastic or paper bag
- Reuse paper for notes instead of using new sticky notes
- Use washable cups, plates and utensils instead of disposables
- Institute double-sided (duplex) copying to reduce paper use and mailing costs
- Use alternatives to paper communication, such as voice mail and email
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Examine production and purchasing procedures to cut down on waste
- Buy products with minimal packaging
- Buy in bulk or in economy-size packages
- Reuse packing containers and bags
- Donate leftover food to a food bank or homeless shelter
- Donate unwanted items to a thrift store