Waste Prevention

Waste prevention and reuse are just as important as recycling. If you can’t prevent or reuse something, than make sure you recycle it. It saves money and resources when it isn’t created in the first place.

WASTE PREVENTION TIPS

Here are some easy ideas for making less waste.

• Use both sides of a sheet of paper.
• Purchase long lasting, durable products.
• Buy in bulk when possible.
• Purchase recycled toner cartridges.
• Reduce the amount of unnecessary packing.
• Attempt to buy refills as opposed to a new product (for example: liquid soap refills instead of new liquid soap dispensers).
• Reuse bags, containers, and other items.
• Borrow, rent, or share equipment or tools used infrequently
• Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out

REUSE

Thrift shops and charitable organizations will generally accept used items in good condition for reuse and resale. Because “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” as the old saying goes, taking your unwanted items to your local charity is a smart idea that can prevent waste and help others in need.

For an extensive resource for donation options, download the Re-Use Guide (PDF) – http://www.recycleworks.org/pdf/reuse_guide.pdf.

Some of the larger organizations include:

• Goodwill – http://sfgoodwill.org
  • San Mateo (650) 293-8500
  • Burlingame (650) 373-1235
  • Belmont (Safeway Drop-Off)
  • Daily City
  • Redwood City
• St. Vincent de Paul – hwww.svdp-sanmateoco.org/
  • San Mateo (650) 347-5101
  • Redwood City (650) 366-6367
  • Daly City (650) 992-9271
• The Salvation Army – www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf
  • Redwood City (650) 368-4642
  • San Bruno (650) 583-3589