The 3 Rs of Solid Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined a three tiered approach for managing solid waste. Each of these should be practiced to reduce the amount material headed for final disposal. They are in order of importance:

REDUCE - The best way to manage solid waste.

Don't create waste in the first place! Buy only what you need. Use all that you buy. Avoid heavily packaged products. Avoid disposable items like paper plates and plastic silverware. Buy the largest size package for those items that you use are often. Refuse bags at fast food restaurants or stores when you only buy a few items. When taking care of the lawn, leave grass clippings on the lawn instead of bagging and throwing out. Start a compost pile for grass clippings, tree trimmings and fruit and vegetable scraps. Ask yourself, "What will be left when I am through with this item?" or "How much trash do I have to throw away just to get to the item?" To stop receiving garbage in the mail, write or call to get off junk mail lists:

REUSE - The better way to manage solid waste.

Reuse items - use them over and over until they are completely worn out. Lunch bags can be brought home and used for many more lunches. Borrow or share items you don't use very often. Donate unwanted items to thrift stores or charitable organizations. Have a yard sale. Repair items, instead of throwing away and buying new. Refill bottles. Bring grocery store bags back and use the same ones the next time you go shopping. Use your imagination, not the trash can!

RECYCLE - The good way to manage solid waste.

Recycle means taking something old and making it into something new. In Seminole County, all residents who live in a single family home can recycle right in front of their house. Those residents who live in apartments or condominiums can drop off their recyclables at several different locations. Old newspapers, #1 and #2 plastic bottles, green, clear and brown glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans can all be recycled at the curb. Simply rinse out containers and remove lids. That''s it, it''s very simple and very worthwhile. Not only does it keep items out of the landfill, recycling conserves natural resources. For example, making newspaper out of old newspaper saves a valuable natural resource - trees.

Many other items can also be recycled, such as old computers, televisions, tires and old appliances. Use the yellow pages or internet to research. Pre-cycle. This means only buy food or beverages in containers you know are accepted in your recycling program. When away from home, hold onto your containers until you get home to recycle them. Buy items made from recycled products.