Waste Reduction Tips

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