Reducing Your Waste
There are many ways that you as a consumer can reduce the amount of garbage you generate. Many of them are not difficult and do not cost extra money—in fact, they may even save you money.
Reduce & Reuse
- Buy concentrates, returnables, economy-sized containers, or products in bulk whenever possible
- Buy only what you need
- Buy products without excessive packaging
- Buy non-hazardous alternatives whenever possible
- Opt out of receiving unsolicited phone books by visiting www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org
- Consider checking out the Hennepin County Free Product Center for re-shelfed latex paints and stains, cleaners, adhesives, etc. Search the Hennepin County Web site, keywords "free product centers."
- Avoid single-use, throw-away products
- Use cloth napkins or dishcloths instead of paper towels and paper napkins
- Reuse paper bags or use reusable bags when shopping
- Use reusable containers for packing lunches and storing leftover food
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Buy durable, repairable, long lasting items
- Borrow, rent, or share things you use infrequently
- Give or get free reusable items online through the Twin Cities Free Market
Recycle
- Know what products can be recycled locally and make sure you recycle them
- Recycle household and car batteries
- Take fluorescent bulbs to a recycling location
- Recycle plastic bags at Byerly's, Cub Foods, Kowalski's or Lund's through the It's In The Bag campaign
- Sell and donate used and second-hand goods such as clothing and furniture
- Check out Hennepin County's How-to-Get-Rid-of-It Guide for ideas on what else to recycle.
Contacts
- Solid Waste Coordinator
952-548-6351
Compost
At 11%, a significant portion of all garbage is food waste. Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic materials and can greatly reduce what we landfill and incinerate.
