Waste can have a number of environmental impacts, including the release of greenhouse gases, requirements for large tracts of land, and the resources required to collect and process it. To lessen environmental impact, prevention or reduction of waste is the top priority, followed by reuse and recycling of materials as the next best choice, with energy recovery and disposal as the least preferred options.

What can you do?

• Use your Blue Cart or Multi-Family Reusable Recycling Bag to recycle, and Green Cart to keep organic waste out of the landfill. Use this sorting tool if you need help knowing what goes where.
• Take household hazardous waste to the Waste Management Facility (it's free!)
• Reduce food waste
• Recycle electronics at the Waste Management Facility (it's free!)
• Find new homes for your still useful but unwanted items by kicking them to the curb

Check out our progress towards achieving our waste reduction and diversion goals below.