Marion County Oregon - Waste Reduction Information

Waste Reduction Information

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Waste Reduction Information


Waste reduction is the highest priority in the solid waste hierarchy. It is better (and much less expensive) to not generate the waste in the first place than to have to recycle or dispose of it afterwards. The following are some information and resources available to help you reduce the amount of waste you create.

Outgoing Mail

Re-use manila envelopes and shipping boxes.

Incoming Mail

Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by registering for free at http://www.dmachoice.org/ or send $1.00 to:

    Direct Marketing Association
    Mail Preference Service
    P.O. Box 643
    Carmel, NY 10512
    (212) 790-1400

Include your full name and variations, the date, your mailing address, your signature and the following statement: "Please remove my name and address from your mailing list."



OVERSTOCKED, EXCHANGEABLE ITEMS

Donate surplus produce and unwanted canned goods to food banks.

Advertise surplus and reusable waste items through a waste exchange, such as IMEX (Industrial Materials Exchange).

For additional resources contact

Marion County Public Works - Environmental Services at 588-5169.

COMPUTER & OFFICE

Proofread documents on the computer screen before printing.

Recharge printer cartridges.

Print double sided and in draft mode whenever possible to reduce paper and ink usage.

LANDSCAPING/ORGANICS

Choose a landscape design that needs low maintenance and little water.

Grasscycling - use a mulching mower which leaves grass clippings to naturally decompose. Grass clippings no longer need to be bagged and hauled away.

Compost grass clippings and leaves into a valuable soil amendment, or make sure your landscape contractor composts.

Use a worm bin to convert non-fatty food wastes into high quality potting soil (vermicompost).

OTHER IDEAS & INFORMATIVE LINKS

Do not buy foil laminated, waxed or plastic-coated paper products. They are not recyclable.

Eliminate use of plastic trash liners in cans where no wet trash is disposed.

Instead of paper, use cloth towels, tablecloths, and napkins.

Give old magazines to libraries, hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.

Alternatives to Household Hazardous Waste

"Buy Recycled" Program

Waste Reduction Strategies For Businesses

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