Rethink the amount and toxicity of trash you discard.
Reuse containers and products; repair what is broken or give it to someone who can repair it.
Recycle as much as possible, which includes buying products with recycled content
Waste prevention, or "source reduction," means consuming and throwing away less. It includes:
purchasing durable, long-lasting goods;
seeking products and packaging that are as free of toxics as possible;
redesigning products to use less raw material in production, have a longer life, or be used again after its original use.
Source reduction actually prevents the generation of waste in the first place, so it is the most preferred method of waste management and goes a long way toward protecting the environment
Reusing items -- by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups, or selling them -- also reduces waste. Reusing products, when possible, is even better than recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.
Benefits of Recycling
Conserves resources for our children's future.
Prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants.
Supplies valuable raw materials to industry.
Stimulates the development of greener technologies.
Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators.
Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. In addition, it generates a host of environmental, financial, and social benefits. Materials like glass, metal, plastics, and paper are collected, separated and sent to facilities that can process them into new materials or products.
Glass Beverage Bottles & Food Jars
Aluminum, Tin & Steel Cans
Milk/Juice Cartons & Drink Boxes
Plastic Bottles #1-#7 (all colors and shapes- no lids
Plastic Milk Containers
Magazines, Phone Books & Newspaper
Mixed Paper ( office, stationary, computer paper, junk mail envelopes)
Clean Paper Bags
Flattened Cardboard & Cereal Boxes
Wire Coat Hangers
Empty Aerosol & Paint Cans
Styrofoam with numbers
Clean Aluminum Foil
The following materials CANNOT be placed in recycling bins
Helium or Propane Tanks
Soiled Paper Napkins, Towels, Cups, Plates, Pizza Boxes
Hard-Cover Books, Photographs
Tape, String, Rubber Bands
Paper with Wax or Plastic Coating, ( Freezer Boxes)