Tips for Reducing Solid Waste

Reduce:

Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging - by selecting products with the least amount of unnecessary packaging, you will cut down on the amount of trash produced. Adopt practices that reduce waste toxicity - take actions that use less hazardous or non hazardous components to accomplish your tasks. Learn about alternatives to toxic household cleansers and products and if you do use products with hazardous components, use only the amounts needed to get the job done and carefully read and follow all directions on product labels.

Reuse:

Reusable containers and products often result in less waste - bring your own cup or mug with you; wash utensils and tableware instead of buying plastic or Styrofoam; purchase rechargeable batteries and save money too; use and wash cloth napkins for cleaning around the house; seek out refillable bottles and jugs for beverages and detergents; take only what is needed if using items made for single use, for example, take only one or two paper napkins or ketchup packets. Maintain and properly repair products such as clothing, tires and appliances. Reuse bags (paper and plastic), scrap paper and envelopes, newspaper, boxes, packaging peanuts and bubble wrap and brown paper bags for wrapping packages. Wash and reuse empty plastic and glass jars and containers, jugs, cans and tubs. Share, borrow or rent infrequently used items such as power tools and party decorations and share newspapers and magazines with others. Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out - one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Recycle:

Consider products made of materials that are collected for recycling locally, usually this includes glass, aluminum, steel, some paper and cardboard and certain plastics. Participate in community recycling drives. Take used motor oil, car batteries, and antifreeze to participating automobile service centers and other collection sites for these items. Take advantage of businesses offering collection of recyclables, for instance, grocery stores collecting bags for recycling. Compost yard trimmings and food scraps and educate others on source reduction and recycling practices.

Respond:

If you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions as to the state of solid waste handling or recycling in Fayette County, please contact us via E -mail: uge2113@uga.edu .