Be Waste Aware-
Waste Reduction Resources and Tools
for Students
WHAT'S TO LEARN about waste? Well, lots, actually. This fact sheet can help you learn
more about municipal solid waste, also known as trash or garbage. Whether you need
information for an environmental science class or a science fair project, or to help
start a waste reduction program in your school or community, these resources can
help you better understand the type, amount, and impact of solid waste in the world around you.
Envirofacts Warehouse
This online tool provides you with direct access to environmental
information contained in various EPA databases including infor-
mation on hazardous waste, Superfund, toxic releases, facilities,
risk management plans, grants/funding, water permits, and
drinking water contaminant occurrence. The database allows
users to input their zip code and obtain environmental informa-
tion specific to their geographic location.
Window to my Environment
This powerful Web-based tool provides a wide range of federal,
state, and local information about environmental conditions and
features in your area of choice. By entering a zip code or a city
and state name, you can retrieve an interactive map that shows
the location of regulated facilities, monitoring sites, water bod-
ies, population densities, and perspective topographic views. In
addition, this tool provides geographic statistics about your area
of interest, including estimated population, county/urban area
designations, and local water bodies and watersheds. Finally,
you can retrieve federal, state, and local information on environ-
mental issues like air and water quality, watershed health,
Superfund sites, fish advisories, and impaired waters.
RCRA Online
This online database allows you to search publications and out-
reach materials on a variety of waste-related topics. You can
access topics through a search of the database as well as by
browsing through a list of topics. You may also access this infor-
mation by calling the RCRA, Superfund & EPCRA Call Center at
(800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810 (in the Washington DC metro
area). To search the RCRA Online database, click on Topics
Search to locate the category of information in which you are
interested.
Laws and Regulations
On its Web site, EPA makes available full text of environmental
laws and regulations, including links to regulations on specific
topic areas,
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Facts About Municipal Solid
Waste/Recycling
This Web site contains a variety of information on various
waste issues, including a presentation on municipal solid
waste from 1990 to the present. In addition, the site contains
information on source reduction, recycling, and composting,
along with methods of disposal and links to additional informa-
tion on municipal solid waste.
Your Home and Community
This Web site provides tips for consumers on solid waste
issues, such as recycling, reducing solid waste, and com-
posting. Useful resources include, "The Consumer's
Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste," which provides helpful
information to consumers on how to reduce the amount of
waste they create. Other resources include information on
EPA's Plug-In to E-Cycling campaign.
Regional, State, Tribal Waste Management
EPA regional offices as well as state and tribal governments
often implement solid waste programs. Links to such programs
are available on the EPA Web site.
America Recycles Day Web Site
The America Recycles Day Web site contains information on
the upcoming and past America Recycles Days. The site con-
tains a fact sheet and press releases about the event as well
as suggested reading materials and links to additional infor-
mation.
Earth 911
The Earth 911 Web site contains a wide variety of information
on solid waste-related topics, including recycling, composting,
and buying recycled products. The site also provides informa-
tion on local recycling centers and events and includes a kids'
section with activities and information for kids of all ages and
teachers.
International Resources
You can gain access to a variety of information on interna-
tional environmental issues, specifically waste, through
EPA's Web site. The site contains links to several internation-
al waste agreements, the Basel Convention, and other inter-
national initiatives, including the Organization of Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Commission for
Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
Composting
This Web site provides you with useful information on com-
posting, including ideas for student research projects. The
site also contains information on the science and engineer-
ing of composting, how to compost both indoors and out-
doors, and frequently asked composting questions.
Waste Prevention Clip Art
You can find a variety of clip art at this Web site for inclusion
in school reports or other projects. Clip art is available relat-
ing to everything from recycling to waste reduction meas-
ures. You can easily download this clip art in several differ-
ent formats.
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(5306W)
Washington, DC 20460
EPA530-F-03-056
November 2003
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