Teachers: Basic Facts About Waste

Teacher with student in library looking at a book

The resources below include general information about waste generation and management. Basic waste reduction tips are also included, as well as information on the link between waste and climate change.

Glossary of Waste Terms
This Web site provides links to a list of acronyms used by EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery and environmental glossaries, including EPA’s "Terms of Environment".

Facts About Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling
This Web site contains a variety of information on various waste issues, including a presentation on municipal solid waste from 1990 to the present. In addition, the site contains information on source reduction, recycling, composting, along with methods of disposal as well as links to additional information on municipal solid waste.

Municipal Solid Waste: Facts and Figures
Describes the type of materials—paper, glass, metals, plastic—that make up our solid waste stream, and provides information on recycling and composting treads in our country.

The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste
This booklet describes how individual consumers can help alleviate America's mounting trash problem by making environmentally aware decisions about everyday things like shopping and caring for the lawn. It also outlines many practical steps to reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage.

Consumer Tips
This Web site provides easy tips to reduce waste, reuse and recycle products, and buy recycled and recyclable products. Also includes seasonal fact sheets such as Tips for a Waste-Less School Year.

Waste and Climate Change
This Web site explains how solid waste reduction and recycling help stop global climate change.

What You Can Do In Your Home and Community
Learn how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle materials around your home and community. Also find some basic facts about waste including laws and regulations.

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Teachers: Basic Facts About Waste

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