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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Learn how reducing, reusing, and recycling can help you, your community, and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources. Recycling programs are managed at the state and local level—find information on recycling in your community. On the national level, EPA is working to build an economy that keeps materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible, what’s known as a “circular economy.”


Reduce and Reuse

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  • Reduce and reuse basics and benefits
  • Reuse by donating your stuff

Recycle

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  • Recycling basics and benefits
  • How do I recycle... 
  • Frequent questions on recycling
  • America Recycles Day

Used Electronics and Batteries

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  • How to donate and recycle used electronics
  • Used household batteries 
  • Used lithium-ion batteries 
     

Reducing Wasted Food

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  • How to prevent wasted food
  • Donating food
  • Composting at home


What You Can Do

Reducing Waste: What You Can Do

Learn what you can do to reduce, reuse and recycle:

  • At home
  • At school
  • At work
  • In the community

Students and Educators

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  • Resources for students and educators
    including activities, publications, and games

Moving Toward a Circular Economy

  • Funding for infrastructure improvements.
  • Series on Building a Circular Economy for All.
  • What is a circular economy?

Want to know more?

Sign up for our e-newsletter "In the Loop with EPA: Circular Economy Updates."

COVID-19 Resources

  • Recycling During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) web page
  • EPA video: Don't Recycle Personal Protective Equipment
  • EPA video: Recycling During the Health Crisis 
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on November 15, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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