Waste Reduction

Reducing
Facts
San Jose has more than proven itself when it comes to recycling.
However, of the Three R’s — "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"
— Reducing waste is the most important.

Stopping Waste at the Source

• Eliminates some of the waste going to landfills
• Conserves energy and other natural resources
• Creates less pollution
• Makes for cleaner water
• Saves you money

So now it’s time for us to work together in preventing
waste before it’s created. Here’s how…

Use
a Cloth Shopping Bag
It’s stronger than paper and plastic bags, and won’t contribute
to the tons of unnecessary trash in our landfills since it can be
used over and over again.

Try Composting Organic Waste
It’s nature’s way of recycling. It helps keep organic material out
of landfills and turns it into a useful product. You can also try
worm composting! Go to the San Jose
Composts! Home Composting Page for information on the home
composting program.

Use
a Reusable Drink Cup
Polystyrene, plastic, and paper cups all require the use of natural
resources such as trees, water, and energy, and use toxic chemicals
in the manufacturing process.

Look
for Less Packaging
Of all the garbage we generate, 1/3 is packaging that gets thrown
away immediately. Buy in bulk or concentrate form when possible,
and avoid excessive packaging layers. Avoid disposables such as
juice boxes or single serving snacks. Since almost all products
require some packaging, choose ones with packaging that is recyclable.

Eliminate
Unwanted Mail
Nearly 35 million trees are cut down yearly for mail people don’t
even read. To be removed from national mailing lists, send your
name, name variations, and your address to: Mail Preference Service,
Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008.
Or visit bayarearecycling.org/junkmail/
to order a free junk mail reduction kit.

More
information on waste reduction from the California Integrated Waste
Management Board’s Waste Prevention World