What You Can Do | Wastes

What You Can Do Quick Finder
Common Wastes and Materials Composting Consumer Tips Consejos para Consumidores	Electronics Recycling (eCycling) Household Hazardous Waste Industrial Materials Recycling Materials & Waste Exchanges	Recycling Reduce and Reuse Resource Conservation Challenge Waste Management In Indian Country

Consumer Tip of the Day

Reduce Your Packaging: Buy bulk or concentrated products when you can.

Reduce Toxicity or Learn How: Recycle your batteries and use batteries with reduced mercury.

Select Reusable Products: Sturdy, washable utensils, tableware, cloth napkins, and dishcloths can be used many times.

Use Durable Products: Choose furniture, sports equipment, toys, and tools that will stand the test of time.

Reuse Products: Reuse newspaper, boxes, shipping "peanuts\" and "bubble wrap" to ship packages.

Recycle Automotive Products: Take car batteries, antifreeze, and motor oil to participating recycling centers.

Buy Products Made From Recycled Material: Many bottles, cans, cereal boxes, containers, and cartons are made from recycled material.

Compost or Learn How: Food scraps and yard waste can become natural soil conditioners.

In Your Home

The best place to start making a difference is at home. Learn how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle materials to decrease household waste, including food, paper, electronics, cleaners, pesticides, motor oil, and lawn and garden waste. Also, check out EPA's shopping tips to help make smart decisions at the store with resource conservation in mind.

In Your Community

How do I recycle my...

Old computer and other electronics?

Other stuff? Go to Earth911.org and type in your zip code.

EPA is challenging everyone—from citizens to community leaders—to do their part to conserve resources. Identify opportunities to get involved in your community, where you can play a significant role in material management and waste reduction. Discover how to launch new resource conservation initiatives and learn about current programs within your area, state, or region.

At the Office

Offices contribute a significant portion of our nation's waste stream. Understand the importance of business involvement in material and waste management, and identify opportunities to engage and motivate employers and employees. Guidance is available for small and large offices, as well as food service organizations and specialized service organizations (e.g. dry cleaners).

In Industry

Almost all industrial processes produce waste that can be turned into usable materials. In some cases, recycled goods can even enhance a product's quality and durability (such as coal fly ash, which strengthens concrete). Discover how reusing, reducing, and recycling industrial materials and waste can have a direct, positive impact on the environment.

At the Store