Reducing Waste
Generating less garbage means we spend less money on collecting, processing and disposing of trash. Making small changes to reduce waste at home and work can have a huge impact on the community, environment and the bottom line.
Refuse things you don't need
| Disposables |
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We are becoming more and more of a disposable society from paper towels to aluminum wrap to cleaning products designed to make our life easier. You can make a big difference by simply refusing to buy disposable items and replacing them with reusable items.
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| Gifting Stuff |
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Re-examine the gifts you give and instead of gifting stuff why not encourage a new sport, skill or interest by giving an experience instead! Be a conscious consumer and consider the following gift ideas:
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Reuse or Repurpose what you can
If it's not broken don't trash it! Hold a yard sale, visit a consignment store, donate or use an on-line forum to find a new life for gently used clothing and other household items. Before you make a donation, please call to confirm the drop-off location and specifications.
- Habitat For Humanity ReStore
- Salvation Army Thrift Store
- Durham Region's Community Event Reuse Days
Reduce as much as possible. Why not consider using these options instead of buying new!
Food Waste
Organics are materials, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, leaf and garden material, break down naturally and can be turned into compost. Organics that end up in landfills are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study suggests that an estimated $31 billion in Canadian food annually finds its way to landfill and composting, 50% of which originates from food thrown away in the home. That adds up to about 100 kg, per person, per year!
Take positive steps to eliminate wasted food in your home - eat what you buy.
- buy only what you need, stop wasteful eating and food storage habits to cut down on the amount of food waste you throw away
- visit Foodland Ontario for recipes and storage tips to help you eat what you buy
- visit Durham Farm Fresh to buy local and reduce unnecessary packaging and transportation
- participate in the City's Green Bin and Yard Waste collection program
- green your garden by composting your food scraps in your backyard
Recycle
| Appliances and Scrap Metal |
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Scrap metal including old energy-guzzling appliances can be recycled in an environmentally responsible way.
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| Battery Recycling Program |
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The Region of Durham collects household batteries twice a year. Look for stickers in your annual waste collection calendar and set out your batteries on the designated day for recycling. |
| Blue Box Recycling |
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Use blue boxes to divert paper, cardboard and containers from being tossed in the trash. |
| Electrical and Electronic Equipment (W.E.E.E.) Recycling |
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We are buying and using more and more electronics every day. With technology changing so rapidly there is a greater need to ensure that old devices are handled and disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Many end-of-life or unwanted electronics contain valuable components and material that can be safely recycled and manufactured into new products. For a list of acceptable electronics and to find a place to drop off your unwanted electronics. |
| Household Hazardous Waste |
| Dispose of any household chemicals, such as paint, oil, pool chemicals and propane tanks properly - not down the drain or in the garbage. |
| Plastic Bags |
| If you can't reduce or reuse your plastic shopping bags why not recycle them. Plastic shopping bags can be reused many times and then recycled into new plastic bags, plastic lumber products, waste and recycling containers, patio furniture and park benches etc. More information about recycling of plastic bags can be found here. |
| Polystyrene Recycling |
| Recycle any white expanded foam polystyrene cushion packaging at the Region of Durham's Waste Management Facility in Oshawa. |
| Sign Recycling |
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Recycle all temporary signs made of corrugated plastic, plastic film and paperboard, such as election signs, at the Region of Durham's Waste Management Facility in Oshawa. |
| Tires |
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Recycling your used tires will help to ensure that they are collected and managed in an environmentally responsible manner by recycling them into new products and diverting them from burning or landfill. For tire recycling locations. |