United States EPA 530-K-96-003
Environmental Protection September 1996
Agency
Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5305W)
&EPA
The Consumer's
Handbook for
Reducing Solid Waste
Printed on paper that contains at least 20 percent postconsumer fiber.
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The Cat's Out of the Bag
* Reduce • Reuse
Recycle * Respond
This booklet describes how people can help solve a growing prob-
lem...garbage! Individual consumers can help alleviate America's
mounting trash problem by making environmentally aware decisions
about everyday things like shopping and caring for the lawn. Like
the story that says cats have nine lives, so do many of the items we use
every day. Empty cans and jars can be reused to store many items, such
as nails or thumbtacks. The baking soda bought to bake a cake also
can be used to scrub kitchen counters. The container that began its
life as a plastic milk jug can be washed and reused to water plants,
create an arts and crafts project, or be transformed into a bird feeder.
Eventually, the milk jug can be recycled to create a new plastic
product.
Reusing products is just one way to cut down on what we throw
away. This booklet outlines many practical steps to reduce the amount
and toxicity of garbage. These aren't the only steps that can be taken
to reduce waste, but they're a good start.
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Reducing
Solid Waste
K;ich yc;ir, Americans generate
millions of tons of trash in the form
of wrappings, bottles, boxes, cans,
grass dippings, furniture, clothing,
phone books, and much, much,
more.
Dunibk1 goods (tires, appliances,
furniture) and nondurable goods
(paper, certain disposable products,
clothing) account for several million
tons of the solid waste stream. Con-
tainer and packaging waste is a sig-
nificant component of the nation's
waste stream as well. This material
includes glass, aluminum, plastics,
steel and other metals, anfl paper
and paprihnatd. Yard trimmings
such as grass dippings and tree
limbs are also a substantial part of
what we throw away. In addition,
many relatively small components
of the national solid waste stream
add up to millions of tons. For
example, one percent of the
nation's waste stream can amount
to about two million tons of trash
each year,
Source Reduction:
A Basic Solution
Across the country, many individ-
uals, communities, and businesses
have found creative ways to reduce
and better manage their trash
through a coordinated mix of prac-
tices that includes source reduction
(see box on page 4).
Simply put, source reduction is
waste prevent ion. It includes many
actions that reduce the overall
amount or toxicity of waste created.
Source reduction can conserve
resources, reduce pollution, and
help cut waste disposal and han-
dling costs (it avoids the costs of
recycling, composting, landfilling,
and combustion).
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General Overview of What's in America's Trash
Metals
Yard Trimmings
Glass
Plastics
Other
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Integrated Waste Management
Integrated waste management refers to the complementary use of
a variety of practices to safely and effectively handle municipal solid
waste. The following is EPA's preferred hierarchy of approaches.
1. Source reduction is the design, manufacture, purchase, or use
of materials (such as products and packaging) to reduce the
amount or toxicity of trash generated. Source reduction can
help reduce waste disposal and handling costs because it avoids
the costs of recycling, municipal composting, landfilling, and
combustion. It also conserves resources and reduces pollution.
2. Recycling is the process by which materials are collected and
used as raw materials for new products. There are four steps in
recycling: collecting the recyclable components of municipal
solid waste, separating materials by type (before or after collec-
tion), processing them into reusable forms, and purchasing
and using the goods made with reprocessed materials. Recycling
prevents potentially useful materials from being landfilled or
combusted, thus preserving our capacity for disposal. Recycling
often saves energy and natural resources. Composting, a form
of recycling, can play a key role in diverting organic wastes from
disposal facilities.
3. Waste combustion and landfilling play a key role in managing
waste that cannot be reduced or recycled. Combustion in spe-
cially designed facilities reduces the bulk of waste and provides
the added benefit of energy recovery. Source reduction and
recycling can remove items from the waste stream that may be
difficult to burn, cause potentially harmful emissions, or make
ash management problematic. Landfilling is-and will continue
to be-a major component of waste management. The portion
of waste requiring incineration or land disposal can be signifi-
cantly reduced by examining individual contributions to garbage
and by promoting the wise use and reuse of resources.
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amount, of waste going to landfills
and conserve resources.
Making Source
Reduction Work
Putting source reduction into
practice is likely to require some
change in our daily routines.
Changing habits does not mean a
return to a more difficult lifestyle,
however. In fact, just the opposite
may happen. If we don't reduce
waste, the economic and social costs
of waste disposal will continue to
increase, and communities-large
and small, urban and suburban-
will face increasingly harder deci-
sions about managing their trash.
All parts of society need to work
together to change current patterns
of waste generation and disposal.
The federal government develops
and provides information and looks
for incentives to create less waste. It
also helps communities plan and
carry out source reduction mea-
sures. State, local, and tribal
governments can create the most
appropriate source reduction mea-
sures for their areas. For example,
some communities already are
using fee systems that require
households and businesses to pay
for trash disposal based on the
amount they toss out.
Large consumers-manufac-
turers, retailers, restaurants, hotels,
schools, and governments-can
prevent waste in a variety of ways,
including using products that cre-
ate less trash. Manufacturers also
can design products that use fewer
hazardous components, require
less packaging, are recyclable, use
recycled materials, and result in
less waste when they are no longer
useful.
Individuals can evaluate their
daily waste-producing activities to
determine those that are essential
(such as choosing medicines and
foods packaged for safety and
health), and those that are not
(such as throwing away glass or
plastic jars that could be reused or
locally recycled). This booklet sug-
gests many practices that reduce
waste or help manage it more effec-
tively. Adopt those that are right for
you and add others that you think
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of yourself. Discuss your ideas with
neighbors, businesses, and other
members of your community. It's
important to remember that all
actions will have some effect on the
environment. If reusable products
need to be washed, for example,
there may be an increase in water
use. Individual consumers, however,
can substantially reduce solid waste
by following these basic principles:
REDUCE the amount of trash discarded.
REUSE containers and products.
RECYCLE, use recycled materials, and compost.
RESPOND to the solid waste dilemma by reconsidering
waste-producing activities and by expressing preferences
for less waste.
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REDUCE
1. Reduce the amount of
unnecessary packaging.
2. Adopt practices that
reduce waste toxicitv.
REUSE
•
3. Consider reusable products.
4. Maintain and repair durable
products.
5. Reuse bags, containers, and
other items.
6. Borrow, rent, or share items
used infrequently.
7. Sell or donate goods instead
of throwing them out.
RECYCLE
8. Choose recyclable products and
containers and recycle them.
9. Select products made from
recycled materials.
10. Compost yard trimmings
and some food scraps.
RESPOND
11. Educate others on source reduction
and recycling practices. Make your
preferences known to manufactur-
ers, merchants, and community
leaders.
12. Be creative-find new ways to reduce
waste quantity and toxicity.
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Reduce the amount of
unnecessary packaging.
Packaging serves many purposes. Its primary pur-
pose is to protect and contain a product. It also can
prevent tampering, provide information, and pre-
serve hygienic integrity and freshness. Some
packaging, however, is designed largely to enhance
a product's attractiveness or prominence on the
store shelf. Since packaging materials account for a
large volume of the trash we generate, they provide
a good opportunity for reducing waste. In addition,
keep in mind that as the amount of product in
a container, increases, the packaging waste per
serving or use usually decreases.
•When choosing between two similar products
select the one with the least unnecessary
packaging.
• Remember that wrenches, screwdrivers, nails.
and other hardware are often available in loose
bins. At the grocery, consider whether it is necessary to purchase items such
as tomatoes, garlic, and mushrooms in prepackaged containers when they
can be bought unpackaged.
•When appropriate, use products you already have on hand to do household
chores (see Appendix A). Using these products call save on the packaging
associated with additional products.
•Recognize and support store managers when they stock products with no
packaging or reduced packaging. Let clerks know when it's not necessary to
double wrap a purchase.
•Consider large or economysize items for household products that are used
frequently, such as laundry soap, shampoo, baking soda, pet foods, and cat
litter. These sizes usually have less packaging per unit of product. For food
items, choose the largest size that can be used before spoiling.
•Consider whether concentrated products are appropriate for your needs.
They often require less packaging and less energy to transport to the store,
saving money as well as natural resources.
•Whenever possible, select grocery, hardware, and household items that are
available in hulk. Bulk merchandise also may be shared with friends or
neighbors.
*It is important to choose food servings that are appropriate to your needs.
One alternative to single food servings is to choose the next largest serving
and store any leftovers in a reusable container.
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Adopt practices that reduce
waste toxicity.
In addition to reducing the amount of materials in the solid waste stream,
reducing waste toxicity is another important component of source reduction.
Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing haz-
ardous components. Nevertheless, toxicity reduction can be achieved by following
some simple guidelines.
• lake actions thai use noiiha/.ai dons or less hazardous components to
accomplish the task at hand. Examples include choosing reduced mercury
batteries, or planting marigolds in the garden to ward off certain pests rather
than using pesticides. In some cases you may be using less toxic chemicals to
do a job and in others you may use some physical method, such as sandpaper,
scouring pads, or just a little more elbow grease, to achieve the same results.
Learn about alternatives to household items containing hazardous
substances. In some cases, products that you have around the house can
he used to do the same job as products with hazardous components. (See
Appendix A or check with local libraries or bookstores for guidebooks on
nonhazardous household practices.)
If you do need to use products with hazardous components, use only the
amounts needed. Leftover materials can be shared with neighbors or
donated to a business, charity, or government agency, or, in the case of used
motor oil, recycled at a participating
service station. Never put leftover
products with hazardous components
in food or beverage containers.
For products containing hazardous
components, read and follow all
directions on product labels. Make
sure the containers are always
labelled properly and stored safely
away from children and pets. When
you are finished with containers that
are partially full, follow local
community policy on household
hazardous waste disposal (see box
on "Household Hazardous Waste
Collection" on the next page). If at
any time you have questions about
potentially hazardous ingredients in
products and their impacts on human
health, do not hesitate to call your
local poison control center.
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection
For leftover products containing hazardous components, check with
the local environmental agency or Chamber of Commerce to see if there
are any designated days in your area for collection of waste materials such
as leftover paints, pesticides, solvents, and batteries. On such days, quali-
fied professionals collect household hazardous wastes at a central location
to ensure safe management and disposal. Some communities have perma-
nent household hazardous waste collection facilities that accept wastes
year-round. Some collections also include exchanges of paints, solvents,
certain pesticides, cleaning and automotive products, and other materials.
Exchanges allow materials to he used by someone else, rather than being
thrown away.
RECYCLING
10
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Consider reusable products.
Many products are designed to
be used more than once. Reusable
products and containers often
result in less waste. This helps
reduce the cost of managing solid
waste and often conserves materials
and resources. (Remember, reus-
able containers for food must be
carefully cleaned to ensure moper
hygiene.)
• A sturdy mug or cup can be
washed and used time and
again. Many people bring their
own mugs to work, meetings,
and conferences.
Sturdy and washable utensils
and tableware can be used at
home and for picnics, outdoor
parties, and potlucks.
* At work, see if "recharged"
cartridges for laser printers,
copiers, and fax machines are
available. They not only reduce
waste, but also typically save
money.
* Cloth napkins, sponges, or
dishcloths can be used around
___ the house. These can be
washed over and over again.
1 Look for items that are available in refillable containers. For example, some
bottles and jugs for beverages and detergents are made to he refilled and
reused, either by the consumer or the manufacturer.
1 When possible, use rechargeable batteries to help reduce garbage and to
keep toxic metals found in some batteries out of the waste stream. Another
alternative is to look for batteries with reduced toxic metals.
1 When using single-use items, remember to take only what is needed. For
I'xamplt;. lake only one napkin or ketchup packet if more are not needed.
Remember, if your goal is to reduce solid waste, think about reusables.
11
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Maintain and repair
durable products.
If maintained and reo
Drooerlv.
products such as long-wearing clothing,
tires, and appliances are less likely to wear
out or break and will not have to be
thrown out and replaced as frequently.
Although durable products sometimes
cost more initially, their extended life
span may offset the higher cost and
even save money over the long term.
• Consider long-lasting appliances
and electronic equipment with good
warranties. Check reports for pro-
ducts with a record of high consumer
satisfaction and low breakdown rates,
Also, look for those products that are
easily repaired.
Keep appliances in good working
order. Follow manufacturers'
suggestions for proper operation
and maintenance. Manufacturers'
service departments may have
toll-free numbers; phone
toll-free directory assistance
at 1-800-555-1212 to find out.
High-quality, long-lasting tires for
cars, bicycle other vehicles are
available. Using them reduces the rate at which tit-es are replaced and
disposed of. Also, to extend tire life, check tire pressure once a month, follow
the manufacturer's recommendations for upkeep, and rotate tires routinely.
In addition, retread and remanufactured tires can reduce tire waste.
Mend clothes instead of throwing them away. Where possible, repair worn
shoes, boots, handbags, and briefcases.
Whenever intended for use over a long period of time, choose furniture,
luggage, sporting goods, toys, and tools that will stand up to vigorous use.
• Consider using low-energy fluorescent light bulbs rather than incandescent
ones. 'They'll last longer, which means fewer bulbs are thrown out, and cost
less to replace over time.
12
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Reuse bags, containers,
and other items.
Many everyday items can have more than
one use. Before discarding bags, containers,
and other items, consider if it is hygienic and
practical to reuse them. Reusing products
extends their lives, keeping them out of the
solid waste stream longer. Adopt the ideas that
work for you, add some of your own, and then
challenge others in your school, office, and
community to try these ideas and to come up
with others.
• Reuse paper and plastic bags and twist
ties. If it's practical, keep a supply of bags
on hand to use on the next shopping
trip, or take a string, mesh, or canvas tote
bag to the store. When a reusable bag is
not on hand and only one or two items are
being purchased, consider whether you need a bag at all.
- Reuse scrap paper and envelopes. Use both sides of a piece of paper for
writing notes before recycling it. Save and reuse gift boxes, ribbons, and
larger pieces of wrapping and tissue paper. Save packaging, colored paper,
egg cartons, and other items for reuse or for arts and crafts projects at day-
care facilities, schools, youth facilities, and senior citizen centers. Find other
uses or homes for old draperies, bedding, clothing, towels, and cotton
diapers. Then cut up what's left for use as patchwork, rags, doll clothes,
rag rugs, or other projects.
• Reuse newspaper, boxes, packaging "peanuts," and "bubble wrap" to ship
packages. Brown paper bags are excellent for wrapping parcels,
• Wash and reuse empty glass and plastic jars, milkjugs, coffee cans, dairy tubs,
and other similar containers that otherwise get thrown out. These containers
can be used to store leftovers as well as buttons, nails, and thumbtacks. An
empty coffee can makes a fine flower pot.
• Turn used lumber into birdhouses, mailboxes, compost bins, or other
woodworking projects.
CAUTION: Do not reuse containers that originally held products such as
motor oil or pesticides. These containers and their potentially harmful residues
should be discarded (following manufacturers' instructions on the label) as soon
as they are empty. When you no longer have a use for a full or partially full con-
tainer, take it to a community household hazardous waste collection. Also, never
store anything potentially harmful in containers designed for food or beverages.
Always label containers and store them out of the reach of children and pets,
13
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Borrow, rent, or share items
used infrequently.
Seldom-used items, like certain power tools and party goods, often collect dust,
rust, take up valuable storage space, and ultimately end up in the trash. Consider
renting or borrowing these items the next time they're needed. Infrequently used
items also might be shared among neighbors, friends, or family. Borrowing, rent-
ing, or sharing items saves both money and natural resources.
• Rent or borrow party decorations and supplies such as tables, chairs,
centerpieces, linens, dishes, and silverware.
Rent or borrow seldom-used audiovisual equipment.
Rent or borrow tools such as ladders, chain saws, floor buffers,
rug cleaners, and garden tillers. In apartment
buildings or co-ops, residents can pool resources
and form "banks" to share tools or other «
nt
used or needed infrequently. In addition, S()'1K1
communities have "tool libraries" where r'esidents
can borrow equipment as needed.
• Before discarding old tools, camera equipment,
or other goods, ask friends, relatives,
neighbors, or community groups if they can
use them.
* Share newspapers and magazines
others to extend the lives of the'st-
items and reduce the generation
of waste paper.
14
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Sell or donate goods instead
of throwing them out.
One person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of discarding
unwanted appliances, tools, or clothes, try selling or donating them. Opting for
used and "irregular" items is another good way to practice source reduction. Such
products are often Jess expensive than new or "first-quality" items, and using them
will keep them from being thrown away.
• Donate or resell items to thrift stores or other organizations in need. Donors
sometimes receive tax deductions or even cash. These organizations typically
take everything from clothes and textiles to appliances and furniture. All
should be clean and of respectable quality.
• Sell secondhand items at fairs, bazaars, swap meets, and garage sales.
• Give hand-me-down clothes to family members, neighboring Families, or the
needy. Consider acquiring used clothing at thrift or consignment shops. The
condition of used clothing in these stores is screened: clothes are typically
laundered and cannot have tears or stains.
• Consider conducting a food or- clothing drive to help others. Where
appropriate, encourage area merchants to donate damaged goods or food
items that are still edible to food banks, shelters, and other groups that care
lor the needy.
15
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Choose recyclable products and
containers and recycle them.,
When you've done all you can to avoid
waste, recycle. Producing goods from recy-
cled materials typically consumes less
energy and conserves raw materials. Yet,
our landfills are packed with many pack-
ages and products that can be recycled.
• Consider products made of materials
that are collected for recycling
locally; in many communities, this
includes glass, aluminum, steel, some
paper and cardboard, and certain
plastics. Check with appropriate
community officials, volunteer
groups, or recycling businesses
to determine what materials are
collected for recycling. If a system
is not in place to return a certain type
of material, that material is not easily "recyclable,.'
• Participate in community recycling drives, curbside programs, and drop-off
collections. Call community officials, the local recycling center, or a nearby
recycling business to find out if and how materials should be separated. For
example, some communities require that glossy inserts be segregated from
newspaper, and that different types of cans be separated. A magnet can be
used to distinguish steel or bimetal cans from aluminum cans (a magnet does
not stick to aluminum). Also, investigate curbside pickup schedules, deter-
mine what materials are accepted, locate drop-off sites, and find out when
these sites are open.
• If a recycling program does not exist in your community, participate in
establishing one. Call local salvage operators to see if they will accept or pick
up materials for recycling. Work with community officials to determine the
most cost-effective recycling options for your area.
• Take used car batteries ("lead-acid batteries"), antifreeze, and motor oil
(saved in clean nonbreakable containers) to participating automobile service
centers and other places that collect these items for recycling.
• As more businesses and organizations provide collection opportunities,
take advantage of them. For example, many grocery stores collect bags for
recycling.
16
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The Degradables Debate
«_»
One of the biggest debates in solid waste has centered on claims that
certain products such as some plastic bags, paper products, and other
goods are degradable. Are such products helpful in solving the solid waste
dilemma? Do they save landfill space?
In truth, degradation occurs very slowly in modern landfills. Sunlight
can't penetrate, so photodegradation can't occur. Furthermore, research-
ers have unearthed cabbages, carrots, and readable newspapers that have
been in landfills for 30 years or more. It is unlikely that products marketed
as degradable would achieve better results. Even if biodegradable prod-
ucts do perform exactly as they are supposed to, they still use
up resources that could be reclaimed through recycling.
Biodegradability of natural materials such as lawn trimmings and
some foods does have a place in solid waste management. That place is
composting (see tip #10). Whether in the backyard or in community facili-
ties, composting can take advantage of degradability. This is nature's way
of recycling organic material into humus that enriches soil and returns
nutrients to the earth
17
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1. The life
of a peanut
butter jar begins
on the supermarket
shelf, filled with your
favorite brand. When emptied
and cleaned out. vou and
your family can use it in
many practical ways.
2. It's a perfect container for displaying
a prized marble collection
9. When you collect too many
peanut butter jars, be sure to
recycle the extras. They may
be used to manufacture new
peanut butter jars or other
containers.
10. Then use it to show
off the beautiful flowers
you picked for the
dinner table when the
fishing is done.
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4. And to mix a batch
of concentrated juice.
It can be used to
store leftovers...
5. It can be taken back
to the store to buy
foods in bulk, such as
honey, maple syrup,
and even more peanut
butter.
7. Take the jar on your
next fishing trip to
carry live bait.
6. The jars also make
great cookie cutters.
g
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Select products made from
recycled materials.
Participating in a local or regional recycling program is only part of the recy-
cling process. For recycling to succeed, recyclable materials must be processed
into new products, and those products must be purchased and used,
• Look for items in packages and containers made of recycled materials. Many
bottles, cans, paper wrappings, hags, cereal boxes, and other cartons and
packages are made from recycled materials.
• Use products with recycled content whenever you can. For instance, many
paper, glass, metal, and plastic products contain recovered materials. Some
examples are stationer!; wrapping paper, computer paper, and many
containers. Many of these items arc available in grocery, drug, and other
retail stores. Mail-order catalogues, stationers, and print shops also may stock
these and other recycled items.
• When checking- products for recycled content, look for a statement that
recycled materials were used and, if possible, choose the item with the largest
percentage of recycled content, if known. You can also call directory
assistance at 1-800-555-1212 to obtain manufacturers' 800 numbers to find
out how much recycled material their products contain.
• Encourage state and local government agencies, local businesses, and others
to purchase recycled products such as paper, re-refined oil, and retread tires
For the federal government, guidelines all-ready exist that mandate the
purchase of these and other products.
PLACE
1 BOTTLES
HERE
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Reducing Unwanted Advertising Mail
Each year, millions of Americans make one or more purchases through
the mail When people make these mail-order purchases, their names
often are added to a list and marketed to other companies that do busi-
ness through the mail. While many people enjoy the catalogues they
receive as a result of these lists, those who would like to receive less
national advertising mail can ask companies not to rent or share their
names with other mailers. People who choose not to shop at home can
also write to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
The Mail Preference Service is a no-charge service that removes names
from many national mailing lists. Individuals who would like to use this
service are requested to provide their names and addresses (including zip
code), and any spelling variations they have noticed on mailing labels,
to the Mail Preference Service.
It may take a few months before there is a noticeable decrease in the
amount of national advertising mail delivered. In addition, local advertis-
ing mail, such as store flyers, will not be affected. In these cases, people
can write directly to the mailer and request that their names be removed
from the mailing list.
To keep your name off
unwanted mailing lists, contact
mail-order companies (and other
organizations) to let them know
that you do not want your name
and address shared with other
businesses and organizations. In
this way, you can still order by
mail and belong to charitable
organizations without worrying
that the amount of unsolicited
mail
you
receive will
21
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Compost yard trimmings
and some food scraps.
Backyard composting of certain food scraps and yard trimmings can
significantly reduce the amount of waste that needs to be managed by the local
government or put in a landfill. When properly composted, these wastes can be
turned into natural soil additives for use on lawns and gardens, and used as pot-
ting, soil for house plants. Finished compost can improve soil texture, increase the
ability of the soil to absorb air and water, suppress weed growth, decrease erosion,
and reduce the need to apply commercial soil additives.
• Learn how to compost food scraps and yard trimmings (see the guidelines on
the next page). For more information, consult reference materials on
composting, or check with local environmental, agricultural, or park services.
Composting foods in highly populated areas is not recommended because it
can attract rodents and other pests.
• Participate in local or regional programs that collect compostable materials.
If no program is in place, contact public officials and community leaders
about setting one up.
• If there's no room for a compost pile, offer compostable materials to
community composting programs or garden projects near you.
• If you have a yard, allow mown grass clippings to remain on the lawn to
decompose and return nutrients back to the soil, rather than bagging and
disposing of them.
22
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Composting Is Easy!
A compost pile can be set up in a corner of the yard with few supplies.
Choose a level spot about 3- to 5-feet square near a water source and prefer-
ably out of direct sunlight. Clear the area of sod and grass. When building a
composting bin, such as with chicken wire, scrap wood, or cinder blocks, he
sure to leave enough space for air to reach the pile. One removable side
makes it easier to tend the pile.
Many foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg
shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags. In addition to leaves, grass,
and yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust,
shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes can be composted. DO NOT
compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they can
attract pests.
Start the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard
trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps (a slightly more
involved process), you should mix them with yard trimmings when adding
them to the pile. Alfalfa meal or clean cat litter may be added to the pile to
absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get it too
soggy, Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air and
distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if
you see worms, both of which are part of the decomposition process. Make
sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.
In most climates, the compost is done in 3 to 6 months when it becomes
a dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden
or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost also can be used as
potting soil.
<•'•
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Educate others on source
reduction and recycling practices.
Make your preferences known to
manufacturers, merchants,
and community leaders.
Share information about source reduction, recy-
cling, and composting with others.
Spread the word to family, friends, neighbors,
local businesses, and decision-makers. Encourage
them to learn more about solid waste issues and
to work toward implementing and promoting
source reduction, recycling, and composting.
all have the power to influence others and help
create the type of world in which we want to live.
• Consider writing to companies to encourage
them to reduce unnecessary packaging and
the use of hazardous components in
products. In addition, let companies know
when they've made positive changes. Many
companies offer toll-free 800 numbers you
can call with these comments.
• Encourage source reduction, recycling, and
composting programs for yard trimmings in
the community.
• Where appropriate, encourage the use of
reusable, recycled, and recyclable materials
in the workplace.
• Encourage the use of efficient, long-lasting
equipment.
• Urge schools to provide environmental education and to teach about source
reduction, recycling, and composting.
• Support an environmentally sound waste program in your community that
starts with source reduction. Your community also needs access to adequate
and safe solid waste facilities such as recycling and composting center
combustors, and landfills.
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Be creative—find new ways to
reduce waste quantity and toxicity.
There are many ways to reduce the amount and the toxicity of solid waste. By
thinking creatively, many new uses for common items and new possibilities for
source reduction and recycling can be discovered. Here are just a few ideas, Now,
try some of your own!
Turn a giant cardboard box into
a child's playhouse.
Transform a plastic ice cream
tub into a flower pot.
• Give pet hamsters or gerbils paper
towel and toilet paper cardboard
tubes with which to play. Use an
egg carton to plant seedlings.
Turn used tires (not steel-belted)
into children's swings or other
playground equipment.
Select nontoxic inks
and art supplies.
Combine source reduction
techniques. For example,
try storing coffee bought in
bulk in empty coffee cans.
Choose beverages such
as water or milk in
reusable containers,
where appropriate.
Place an order through the mail
with a group of people in
order to save money and
reduce packaging waste.
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It's far IK-UCT lo reduce the toxidiv and amount of solid \\asic in ihe
first place than to cope with it after it has been created. Through source
reduction, recycling, and composting, many environmental benefits an
cost savings can be realized, Just remember the four "R's"....
REDUCE the amount of trash discarded.
REUSE containers and products.
RECYCLE, use recycled products, and compost.
RESPOND to the solid waste dilemma by reconsidering
waste-producing activities and by expressing preferences
for less waste.
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Success with Source Reduction
People from small towns and big cities across America are implementing
innovative source reduction programs and arc realizing economic as well as
environmental benefits.
You can encourage and support these changes in your community by working
with civic groups, local merchants, and county boards. Through consumer educa-
tion campaigns, school curricula, economic incentives, and other legislative,
financial, and educational measures, your community can set the pace for new
ways to reduce solid waste. Here are a few examples of how communities and
businesses are reducing waste.
Model Communities
In a growing number of Illinois communities, facilities ranging from industries
to schools are practicing source reduction by following the lead of community
role models. The Central States Education Center (CSEC), a nonprofit
environmental group, has developed a Model Community Program to help
communities find ways to reduce waste, eliminate toxins, recycle, and purchase
products that contain recycled materials. Through this program, businesses,
organizations, and other groups serve as source reduction role models in their
communities. The facilities institutionalize various source reduction strategies
through in-house committees and on-going educational programs.
Several schools, industries, churches and other organizations participate in this
program. In a model industry, for example, solvent recycling machines are used
to make solvents last three times longer. Model supermarkets have a shelf-labeling
program to highlight products with less packaging. Additional model facilities
include churches, banks, libraries, a radio station, a utility company, newspapers,
a theater, a sorority, and even a city hall. At present there are over 70 model facili-
ties in eight different Illinois communities.
As a result of these model facilities, less waste is generated in the participating
communities, and much of what is generated gets routed to the community recy-
cling center, rather than the landfill. For example, one model school reduced
cafeteria waste by 40 percent. Interest in the program is growing nationwide as
communities use the model program to educate citizens and get them involved
in reducing their solid waste.
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Berkeley—Doing It Right from the Start
Berkeley, California, implemented a citywide campaign to help consumers
make environmentally sound decisions. The City uses catchy slogans, such
as "do it right from the start," "be picky about packaging," and "overcome over-
packaging," to urge shoppers to think about how products are packaged and
ultimately disposed of. Consumers tell manufacturers which prod-
ucts they want to use and which products
they don't want by leaving them on
store shelves.
The initiatives under this program have
grown as businesses and residents have
embraced the concept. The program now
includes an educational campaign direct-
ed at elementary schools. An environ-
mental education curriculum ha
developed, as well as a training
program, to help teachers incorporate
recycling and other environmental
messages into their science lessons.
Other recent initiatives involve city
supermarkets, which have printed
recycling tips on their grocery bags.
Some supermarkets also offer a
discount to shoppers who bring
their own hags or containers.
Finally, a composting program
offers subsidizing composting bins
to Berkeley residents to encourage
home composting.
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Source Reduction—Savings for Business
More and more businesses, large and small, at-e realizing that source reduction
can mean a big payoff in reduced waste and costs. For example, a small news-
paper in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the Herald Review, has reduced its waste by
almost 30,000 pounds annually, which saves over $18,000 per year. Everyone joins
in to reduce waste, from reporters switching to narrow-ruled notebooks to save
paper, to photographers saving film by planning the number of exposures they
need before shooting.
In the office, people reuse mailing labels, rebuild toner cartridges for com-
puter printers, and print on both sides of the paper. A ceramics packaging firm
has even been found to purchase the paper left over from the printing process,
This "waste exchange" benefits both companies. The newspaper also has found
ways to reuse waste ink, film-developing chemicals, and paste-up sheets. These
innovative ideas reduce both the amount and the toxicity of the company's wastes,
A large furniture manufacturer, Herman Miller, Inc. (HMI) of Zeeland,
Michigan, has reaped savings of $1.4 million annually through waste prevention.
It devised packaging containers that can be reused 80 to 100 times and that are
made from recycled detergent and milk containers.
Another approach HMI uses is cartonless packaging. This means just placing
cardboard edges on the corners of some furniture and wrapping the furniture
with plastic film rather than boxing it. The cardboard edges are reused and the
plastic film is recycled. This practice has saved HMI $250,000 a year for one type
of product. In addition to internal efforts, HMI cosponsors an annual waste
exchange fair for other businesses to share information and materials. Workshops
are also held to educate attendees about waste prevention. The first fair brought
together over 300 people and was so successful that attendance tripled at the sec-
ond one.
29
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1
30
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Appendix A
Source Reduction Alternatives Around the Home
Manv consumers look for wavs to reduce the amount and loxicity of waste
around the house. This can be dune, in some cases, by using alternative- methods
or products without hazardous constituents to accomplish a certain (ask. licit- are
just a few ideas to get you started.
Drain cleaner
Oven cleaner
Glass cleaner
Toilet howl cleaner
Furniture polish
Rug deodori/er
Silver polish
Plant sprays
Moihhalls
Flea and tick
products
Use a plunger or plumber's snake.
Clean spills as soon as ihe oven cools using steel
wool and baking soda; for lough stains, add salt (do
not use this method in self-cleaning or
continuous-cleaning ovens).
Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart
of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.
Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.
(This will clean but not disinfect.)
Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or
vegetable oil, and wipe furniture.
Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with
baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum.
Repeat if necessary.
Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a shallow- pan with 1
teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a
sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and
boil for 2 to 3 more minutes. Wipe away tarnish.
Repeat if necessary. (Do not use this method on
antique silver knives. The blade will separate from the
handle.) Another alternative is to use nonabrasive
toothpaste.
Wipe leaves with mild soap and water; rinse.
Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint,
or white peppercorns.
Put brewer's yeast or garlic in your pet's food;
sprinkle fennel, rue, rosemary, or eucalyptus
seeds or leaves around animal sleeping areas.
Although ihe suggested mixtures have less ha/ardous ingredients than many
commercial cleaners and pesticide's, ihey should be used and stored with similar
caution. Please follow these guidelines for any household cleaner or pesticide.
• DO NOT mix anything with a commercial cleaning agent.
» If you do store a homemade mixture, make sure it is properly labelled and
do not store it in a container that could be mistaken for a food or beverage.
• When preparing alternatives, mix only what is needed for the job at hand
and mix them in clean, reusable containers. This avoids waste and the need
lo store any (leaning mixture.
31
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Appendix B
Reusable Vocabulary
Bimetal - Typically refers to beverage containers with steel bodies and aluminum
tops. Steel companies do recycle bimetal cans, but they are handled differently
in the recycling stream from aluminum cans.
Combustion -The controlled burning of municipal solid waste to reduce volume,
and, commonly, to recover energy.
Composting -The controlled microbial decomposition of organic matter (such
as food scraps and yard trimmings) in the presence of oxygen into a humus-
or soil-like material.
Curbside collection -A method of collecting recyclable materials at individual
homes or places of business by municipal or private parties for transfer
to a designated collection site or recycling facility.
Drop-off -A method of collecting recyclable materials where individuals transport
the materials to a designated collection site.
Household hazardous waste -Products containing hazardous substances that
are used and disposed of by individual rather than industrial consumers.
These products include some paints, solvents, and pesticides.
Integrated waste management - The complementary use of a variety of practices
to handle municipal solid waste safely and effectively. Integrated waste man-
agement techniques include source reduction, recycling, composting,
combustion, and landfilling.
Landfilling -The disposal of solid waste at engineered facilities in a series of
compacted layers on land and the frequent daily covering of the waste with
soil. Fill areas are carefully prepared to prevent nuisances or public health
hazards, and clay and/or synthetic liners are used to prevent releases to
ground water.
Municipal solid waste (MSW) - Waste generated in households, commercial
establishments, institutions, and businesses. MSW includes used paper,
discarded cans and bottles, food scraps, yard trimmings, and other items.
Industrial process wastes, agricultural wastes, mining wastes, and sewage
sludge are not MSW.
Pre-consumer materials - Recovered materials obtained from manufacturers.
Post-consumer materials - Recovered materials from a consumer-oriented
recycling collection system or drop-off center.
Recyclable - Products or materials that can be collected, separated, and processed
to be used as raw materials in the manufacture of new products.
32
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Recycled content - The portion of a product's or package's weight that is
composed of materials that have been recovered from waste; this may include
pre-consumer or post-consumer materials.
Recycling Separating, collecting, processing, marketing, and ultimately using
a material that would have been thrown away.
Reuse- The use of a product more than once in its same form for the same pur-
pose or for different purposes, such as reusing a soft-drink bottle when
it is returned to the bottling company for refilling, or reusing a coffee can
as a container for nuts and bolts.
Source reduction - The design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials
to reduce the amount or toxicity of waste. Because it is intended to reduce
pollution and conserve resources, source reduction should not increase he
net amount or toxicity of wastes generated throughout the life of the product.
Source reduction techniques include reusing items, minimizing the use
of products that contain hazardous compounds, using only what is needed,
extending the useful life of a product, and reducing unneeded packaging.
Source separation Separating materials (such as paper, metal, and glass) by type
at the point of discard so that they can he recycled.
Toxic- Ability (or property) of a substance to produce harmful or lethal effects
on humans and/or the environment.
Virgin materials - Resources extracted from nature in their raw form, such as
timber or metal ore.
Yard trimmings 'The component of solid waste composed of grass clippings,
leaves, twigs, branches, and garden refuse.
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Appendix C
EPA Resources
[lie following FPA publications are available at no charge through the
Agency's R( :RA I Ii.tlitie. (.all 800 424-9346 Monday through Friday'.):()() a.m. to
(i:00 p.m. KST. For the hearing impaired, the number is 111) SOO 5r>3-7<>72.
Source Keducliitn Hthliosrmphy (FPA/530-B-95-011). A document compiling
information on source reduction resources published since- 19K9.
Cimmctfrizatnni ofMitnittfxd Solid \\mte in thf I 'nited States: 1995 Update, Executive
&«/™«n-30-R-9.VI)i>3). A guide hxx>k to help policy makers understand and evalu-
aie their current uasle managemeni problems and formulate possible solutions.
Envinnimmtfil Fact Sheet: Yard \\h<,t<- Cb»^asto^-(EPA/580-SW-91-009), A tacl sheet
defining unii|»sting, theroni|josting pnicess, and hin\ compost can be used.
Environmental Fact Sheet: tieiyclhifr Gire« Cli/ifmiff. (EPV530-F-92-OI2). A fact sheet
explaining why it is beneficial to leave grass dippings on your lawn.
Plastics Fad Sheets. A series of five fact sheets about plastics:
. /'/rtv(«-.v: Thf Fart* nlxmt Pmducliim. i'\i; rind /Xv/xW(EPA/530-SW-90-OI7A).
A I;let sheet reviewing major uses of plastics and impacts of disposal.
. Thf Facts alxmi I'laslirs in tlu' Marine Emmnnwnl (Kl).V5,'50-S\V-9(»-017B>.
A tatt shtK't summarizing the main sources and impact of plastics found in
the ocean.
. Phrtirs: The Facts mi Source Rnlwlion (EPA/530-SW-9CWM7O. A fact sheet
describing the possibilities for source reduction of difiereni types of plastic
products,
. Thf. Facts mi Itegrudable Plastics (EPA/530-SVV-90-017D). A fact sheet outlining
the informal ion currently available on degradable plastics, their uses, and their
impacts on people and the environment.
• The Facts on lirryr.lhig Plastics (EPA/58Q-SW-90-Q17E). A fai i sheet summarizing the
opportunities available for recycling plastics, and the current state of plastic recy-
cling tec hiiology.
Recycle Today! A series of five publications aimed at educators and students:
. Recycle Today! An Educational Program for Grades K-12 (EPA/530-SW-90-025). A
concise pamphlet explaining the goals and objectives of EPA's educational
recycling program and the four resources listed below.
34
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Let's Reduce and Recyck! A Curriculum for Solid Waste Awareness (EPA/530-SW-90-
005). A booklet of lessons and activities to teach students in grades K-12 about solid
waste generation and management. It teaches a variety of skills, including science,
vocabulary mathematics, and creative writing.
. School Recycling Programs: A Handbook for Educators (EPA/530-SW-90-023).
A handy manual with step-by-step instructions on how to set up a school recycling
program.
Adventures of the Garbage Gremlin: Recycle and Combat a Life of Grime (EPA/530- SW-
90-024). A comic book introducing students in grades 4-7 to the benefits of recy-
cling.
• Ride the Wave of the Future: Recycle Today! (EPA/530-SW-90-010). A colorful poster
designed to appeal to all grade levels that can be displayed in conjunction with
recycling activities or used to help foster recycling.
Recyck: You Can, Make a Ton of difference (EPA/530-F-92-003). A concise citizen's
brochure on recycling and its role in solid waste management.
Rcycle: You Can Make a Ton of Difference (EPA/530-N-92-001). A colorful poster.
Reusable News. A periodic newsletter covering a diverse array of topics related to
municipal solid waste management, including source reduction and recycling
Household Hazardous Waste: Steps to Safe Management (EPA/530-F-92-031 ). A short
brochure explaining what household hazardous waste is and how to manage
it properly.
Unit Pricing Providing an Incentive to Reduce Municipal Solid Waste (EPA/530-SW-91-
005). A booklet describing unit pricing systems in which customers are
charged for waste collection and disposal services based on the amount
of trash they generate.
Pay as You Throw: Lesson Learned About Unit Pricing (EPA/530-R-94-004). An
easy-to-read guide to help local solid waste planners, elected officials and
community and civic groups determine if pay-as-you-throw is a viable option in
their community and how to implement it.
Used Oil Recycling Publications. A series of three brochures and a manual on ways
to recycle used oil:
How to Set Up a Local Used Oil Recycling Program (EPA/530-SW-89-039A). An easy-to-
follow manual for local decision-makers, environmental groups, and community
organizations.
. Recycling Used Oil: What Can You Do? (EPA/530-SW-89-039B). A pamphlet describ-
ing how the general public can participate in used oil recycling.
• Collecting Used Oil for Recycling/Reuse: Tips for Consumers who Change Their Own Motor
Oil and Oil Filters (EPA/530-F-94-008). A brochure providing information on
changing your own motor oil, recycling used oil, changing and recycling your own
oil filter, and safeguarding the environment.
• Recycling Used Oil: For Service Stations and Other Vehicle-Service Facilities (EPA/530SW-
89-039D). A pamphlet describing how service station owners can play a key role in
facilitating used oil recycling.
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