Waste Reduction Tips
The 3R’s have Reduce and Reuse before Recycling because they stop waste at the source. Rethink your waste by reducing the items you want and giving reuse an opportunity for items you don’t.
PHONE BOOK RECYCLING
You can recycle your phone books at any of the following drop off bin locations:
BuRRT >
County Transfer Stations >
City of Santa Fe Environmental Services Division >
You can recycle your phone books at any of the following drop off bin locations:
BuRRT >
County Transfer Stations >
City of Santa Fe Environmental Services Division >
There are many simple little steps that you can take to reduce what you and your family contributes to the landfill. Do what works for you, and get creative!
- Reduce the amount of packaging you buy, reuse what you can, and recycle the rest.
- Look for products without packaging – tools, fresh produce, dry goods.
- Avoid individually wrapped portions (chips, cheese slices, juice, etc.).
- Buy in bulk. Sometimes you can take your own plastic or other containers to the store to be filled directly with bulk goods.
- Opt out of a bag when purchasing one or two items.
- Choose rechargeable batteries and portable appliances or electronics.
- Opt out of junk mail, phone books, and catalogs at Catalog Choice – Santa Fe
- Purchase items that are made to last and keep them for a lifetime.
- Avoid disposable and single use products (razors, pens, silverware, cups, bags, napkins, etc.).
- Repair your item when possible instead of buying a new one.
What can I do at my office or business?
- Make double-sided copies to reduce paper waste by up to 50%.
- Use e-mail or routing slips when circulating memos or documents.
- Share newspapers and magazines.
- Use small stick-on fax notes and omit cover sheets.
- Purchase stationery, scratch pads, business cards, paper towels, toilet paper and facial tissue made from recycled paper.
- Recycle and use recycled printer ink cartridges.
Reduce your toxic waste!
It’s easy and usually less expensive to make your own non-toxic cleaners which are healthier for you and the environment.- Make an all-purpose cleaner: 1 gallon hot water, 1/4 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup vinegar & 1 tablespoon baking soda. Safe on most surfaces, rinses off with water.
- Use hot vinegar instead of paint thinner on brushes.
- Make up an inexpensive silver polish: 1 quart warm water, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 piece aluminum foil. Soak silver for 10/15 minutes, wipe with a soft cloth.
- Use old toothbrushes and other brushes to clean bathroom tile, shoes, etc.
- Use baking soda to clean sinks, toilet bowls and showers without harsh chemicals. Also, only a box will be left instead of plastic bottles.
- Clean windows and mirrors with a simple solution of 3 tablespoons of white vinegar and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Apply with wadded up newspaper.
