Solid Waste and Recycling
This indicator describes the disposal and diversion of solid waste (also known as "municipal solid waste/ MSW," "trash," "refuse" or "garbage") in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin from 1999 through 2003.

What can I do?

The following links may provide helpful information and, with the exception of the US EPA, are located outside the EPA.gov domain.

In Residences

• Think about whether you even need the product before buying it
  
• Shop in cloth bags; keep them in your car or near your door to remember
  
• Look for products with no or minimal packaging, or packaging that can be recycled; provide feedback to companies that use excessive or non-recyclable packaging
  
• Buy things in bulk (sugar, oils, personal care products) and avoid single-serving products
  
• Use durable products like hard plastics at events and picnics instead of throw-aways
  
• Buy things with replacement parts and warranties – demand good service
  
• Use some elbow grease and get exercise by not using disposable cleaning products
  
• Wrap gifts in old maps, homemade with the kids, or used fabric
  
• Send electronic cards and experiential gifts like memberships, hotel stays, tickets to an event, or lessons on how to do anything
  
• Buy a durable coffee/tea mug (or two – one for your car or bus commute and another for your work place) and stop throwing out 365-730 cups/year made from forest products
  
• Buy used clothes and other household items – beautiful and cost effective
  
• Get off mailing lists and rid yourself of junk mail with King County "Reduce Junk Mail"
  
• Dispose of electronic products responsibly: Check out resources at King County Electronics Recyclers or call the Recycling Hotline at (800) RECYCLE.
  

In Businesses

• All of the above; and
  
• Hold "green" meetings and conferences that do not use disposable serving-ware, including things like cups, plates and silverware. Seek vendors who provide such services. Learn more at EPA's One-Stop Information Source for Green Meetings.
  
• Institute a waste reduction policy and involve everyone – include incentives

In Offices

• Aim for a nearly paperless office and recycle paper you do use.
  
• Use voice mail or e-mail in place of written or printed messages
  
• Reuse single-sided paper for drafts and note paper
  
• Make double-sided copies
  
• Store documents on computer disk and minimize hard copies
  
• Proofread documents on the computer screen before printing
  
• Use centralized files for hard copies
  
• Establish a routing system for any paper memos or post memos on a central bulletin board
  
• Share reports and publications in the office
  
• Reuse materials – file folders, envelopes, boxes and paper
  
• Give old magazines and books to hospitals or charitable organizations
  
• Use remanufactured office equipment
  
• Invest in equipment that encourages waste prevention, such as:
  
  • High quality, durable and repairable equipment
    
  • Copiers that make two-sided copies

In Restaurants and Food Service

• Replace disposables with durable dishes and flatware
  
• Use cloth instead of paper napkins and table cloths
  
• Invest in waste-reducing equipment, such as dishwasher and dishes
  
• Request minimal packaging from vendors
  
• Order products in bulk or concentrated form with minimal packaging
  
• Reuse plastic containers for food storage
  
• Store food in air-tight containers and eliminate individual wrapping
  
• Offer a wide selection of beers and sodas on tap, rather than in individual bottles or cans
  
• Use bulletin boards or chalkboards to announce specials
  
• Buy food preparation items such as flour, oil and staples in bulk

In Retail Stores

• Ask customers if they want a bag for their purchases and give discounts for customers who bring their own bag
  
• Sell some of your products in bulk and offer to refill containers
  
• Use the right size gift box
  
• Use less tissue paper when wrapping items and wrap small items together
  
• Reuse plastic protective sleeves for stuffing in displays
  
• Use carbonless forms or switch to perforated tear-off returns
  
• Try to process orders and invoices electronically

In Operations, Maintenance and Grounds

• Routinely inspect and maintain equipment
  
• Routinely perform preventative maintenance repairs
  
• Repair instead of replacing equipment and supplies
  
• Rent or share equipment
  
• Leave grass clippings to mulch where they fall
  
• Water only at night during hot and dry months
  
• Chip wood waste and bark for use as mulch
  
• Apply mulch around shrubs and other areas to maintain soil moisture
  
• Use cloth hand towel rollers instead of paper towels in restrooms
  
• Purchase environmentally safe alternatives to chemicals and cleaners
  

In Shipping and Receiving Departments

• Reuse foam "peanuts" and cardboard boxes for shipping
• Return, reuse and repair wood pallets
  
• Use shredded paper for packing material
  
• Replace cardboard with reusable durable boxes for shipping
  
• Request that deliveries be shipped in reusable containers
  

Source: City of Tukwila, WA Green Works Programs

Check out these websites for comprehensive information:

• Inform
  
• Sustainable Business
  
• Community Futures
  
• EPA Green Meetings
  
• National Waste Prevention Coalition
• Recycling Council of British Columbia
  
  

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