Reduce Reuse and Recycle

The key elements of landfill reduction are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. They are in order of importance and impact: reduce the amount of resources you consume; reuse the ones you have to use; recycle the ones you cannot reuse.

Reduce

Reduce plastic bags by remembering your reusable canvas bags, or by buying dry goods such as lentils in bulk (the Angry Almond lets you bring in your own jars!). Choose products with less packaging, and remember to buy quality goods that will last, so they don't need to be replaced so quickly, or recycled or second-hand goods, reducing the need for virgin resource consumption. Try not to use or buy disposable goods, such as styrofoam cups or paper napkins.

Reuse

Reuse jars by using them to store bulk foods like lentils or rice; or bake some biscuits and give them as a biscuit-filled gift. Donate unwanted items to charity – not just on sell charities like the salvoes, but also charities like homeless shelters. Carry your lunch in a reusable container rather than plastic wrap, and try to repair goods before throwing them out.

Recycle

You can recycle your mobile phone, printer cartridges and flouro tubes at the City's Administration Centre. Try taking your old computer to a computer store, and your seedling pots to your local nursery. Check out Planet Ark for more recycling ideas. Worm and Compost bins are also available to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. These systems will not only minimise the impact on the environment but will also reduce disposal costs.