Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Chemicals and Toxics
    • Climate Change
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Environmental Justice
    • Greener Living
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Pesticides
    • Radon
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Guidance
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • Our Mission and What We Do
    • EPA Administrator
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Labs and Research Centers
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Organization Chart
    • EPA History
    • Staff Directory
Related Topics:
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Contact Us

Reducing and Reusing Basics

The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. Making a new product emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and requires a lot of materials and energy - raw materials must be extracted from the earth, and the product must be fabricated then transported to wherever it will be sold. As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money.

On this page:

  • Benefits of Reducing and Reusing
  • Ideas on How to Reduce and Reuse
  • Donation

Benefits of Reducing and Reusing

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. 
  • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials.
  • Saves energy.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.
  • Helps sustain the environment for future generations.
  • Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.
  • Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.
  • Saves money.

Ideas on How to Reduce and Reuse

  • Think Green Before You Shop. Reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by thinking green when you shop.
  • Reduce your food waste by shopping smart, buying what you need, composting food scraps, and donating unused food to food banks or shelters. More ways to reduce your impact. 
  • Reuse or repurpose items such as old clothing, cloth grocery bags, and containers to prevent waste.
  • Buy used items to reduce waste as well as the emissions created by producing new materials or disposing of them in landfills. Donate unused clothing, electronics and building materials to make sure others can reuse them too! 
  • Buy products made with recycled content. Check labels to see if a product or its packaging is made from recycled materials. 
  • Know before you throw. Know what items your local recycling program collects and encourage your household to recycle right and recycle more.
  • Learn about what else you can do at home, at school, at work and in your community! 
  • Maintain and repair products, like clothing, tires and appliances, so that they won't have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently. 
  • Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools or furniture. 

Donation

One person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted appliances, tools or clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you'll be helping others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schools and nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, working electronics and unneeded furniture.

Benefits of Donation

  • Prevents usable goods from going into landfills
  • Helps your community and those in need
  • Tax benefits may be available

National Donation Resources

Disclaimer: These sites are listed for informational purposes only. U.S. EPA does not endorse any of these entities nor their services. Contact Us to suggest any additional links.
  • Federal Trade Commission- Facts for Consumers on Charitable Donations
  • Better Business Bureau- BBB Wise Giving Alliance 
  • FEMA- Volunteer and Donate Responsibly - tips for donating after a disaster.

Resources for Donating Specific Goods and Materials

Households and Personal Items

  • Goodwill 
  • ClothingDonations.org(a service of Vietnam Veterans of America)
  • Donate your used electronics

Building Materials

  • Habitat for Humanity 

Vehicles

  • American Institute of Philanthropy - Tips for Donating a Car to Charity 
  • Purple Heart 
  • If you’re looking to donate a vehicle to Goodwill, it’s best to give your local Goodwill organization a call first to find out any rules or restrictions around these items.

Story of Reuse

Additional Resources

The 2016 State of Curbside Report

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 20, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data.gov
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Open Government
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions

Follow.