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The term waste reduction is used to describe activities that decrease the amount of waste entering the waste stream, i.e., activities that decrease the amount of garbage generated that would otherwise have to be recycled, or disposed in a landfill or incinerator.  It includes those activities that increase product durability, reusability and repairability, as well as activities that decrease the toxicity of waste entering the waste stream.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Why is Waste Reduction Important?” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]

Waste reduction activities not only protect the environment, but also make economic sense since there will be less waste to manage through the recycling or disposal system.

Waste Reduction:

  • Prevents pollution 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
  • Saves money
  • 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

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction Strategies” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4063″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”” el_class=”w-100″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-utensils” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction At Home” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Backyard Composting” tab_id=”backyard-composting”][vc_column_text]

Reduce waste by composting your food scraps and yard trimmings in a backyard compost pile. More information can be found at the following websites:

Home Composting – Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

Composting is Way Easier Than You Think – NRDC

Composting at Home – EPA

Backyard Leaf Composting – Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension

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Grass clippings are a major part of New Jersey’s municipal solid waste stream.  DEP estimates that as much as a ton of clippings is generated for every acre of turf grass each year. With nearly 900,000 acres in New Jersey covered in turf, that adds up to big transportation requirements, fuel use and air emissions. As a New Jersey resident, you are already helping to avoid air pollution and wasted resources by recycling. You can do more by reducing waste at the source. Leave the grass clippings on your lawn when you mow, and let nature do the recycling.

Just cut it and leave it to save time and money

You’ll save 20-25% of your time because you won’t have to stop and empty your lawnmower bag, and you’ll avoid purchasing yard waste bags and hauling them to the curb. You’ll need to fertilize less (25-50%), since clippings return nutrients to the soil.

Mow your lawn correctly

To maintain your lawn properly, mow high and mow often, so that you only take off about 1/3 of the length of the grass. This will result in an attractive, neatly trimmed lawn, and clippings will disappear when they filter down to the soil. Most New Jersey lawns should be mowed 2 ½ – 3 ½ inches high (like the rough beside a golf course fairway), especially in summer, to shade the soil, cool the roots, and block weed growth. Mulching mowers help you do this; they chop the clippings into fine pieces that slip easily down to the soil. Most new mowers are mulching mowers, and you can attach mulching equipment to your existing mower.

The right amount of water

Controlling watering rates will help your lawn grow at manageable levels and still stay healthy. Don’t water until the lawn is dry. If it turns blue-green or gray, or if footprints don’t spring back, it’s time to water. Provide about an inch at a time for clay soil, and half an inch for sandy soil. Place a few cans around the lawn and note how long it takes for that much water to collect. Even in dry periods, lawns usually need a thorough watering only once a week, or twice if soils are sandy. If managed carefully, water will soak the soil four to six inches down, just right for building healthy root systems and greener growth. Early morning watering conserves water by preventing evaporation.

What to do with excessive growth

If you miss a week, or if heavy rain causes fast growth, you have some choices.

Double mow

Set the mower higher than usual and cut no more than the top third of the grass. In a day or two, set the mower height down and bring the lawn mower down another 1/3 of its height. Continue this process until you reach the desired height.

Mulch heavy clippings into the garden

Bag or rake the clippings and apply them to your garden as mulch. Spread them an inch deep, to cool the soil, retain water, prevent erosion and compaction, and smother weed seeds.

Mix them with the soil

New Jersey soils can be improved by adding organic matter. Added organic materials make heavy clay soils become more productive, and sandy soils retain more water.

Compost

Grass speeds up your composting, but can cause odors and deplete oxygen if not properly managed. If you compost large amounts of grass, turn the pile often with a pitchfork.

What about thatch?

Clippings don’t cause thatch. Thatch is formed from the accumulation of dead roots and stems. The more you fertilize and water your lawn, the more it grows and the faster thatch accumulates.

Lawn additives

Many people apply too many lawn products, too often. It costs money and may harm the lawn. Better to evaluate problems and apply only what you need. Let your County Agriculture Extension Agents give you expert advice on care and disease treatment. The Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station has publications  regarding proper lawncare.

Every year in New Jersey, dozens of people poison themselves taking care of their own lawns because they don’t take product label warnings seriously, and they think that more is better. Lawn additives are powerful chemicals, and you need to use them correctly.

Fertilizer

Too much fertilizer means rapid growth and more mowing. Use soil testing to verify the need for fertilizer; see your County Extension Office for a soil test kit. Fertilize in September and again in October or November for a healthier lawn. This keeps the lawn greener through the winter and strengthens roots for thick growth in the spring without the unwanted long growth caused by spring fertilization. This means fewer mowings, less clippings, and less work. Don’t fertilize in summer unless needed; too much can kill cool-season grasses such as fine fescues! Use fertilizer containing at least 50% controlled release nitrogen. The bag may say “water insoluble or WIN,” “organic,” or “slow release” nitrogen.

When you cut it and leave it, the nitrogen from the grass clippings will add one to two pounds of nitrogen a year to each thousand square feet of lawn. You can adjust the spreader setting to about ½ to ¾ of the manufacturer’s recommended setting.

Herbicides and insecticides

Herbicides remain on the grass for some time, and some make the clippings unsuitable for mulch, so it’s important to cut it and leave it when you use weed killers. Too much herbicide can burn the lawn, kill nearby plants, and contaminate waterways. Instead of repeated whole lawn application of weed killers, try a one-time pre-emergent weed killer and spot application if your lawn has only a few weeds. If you see signs of insect damage, call your extension agent to determine what you need before you select an insecticide. You may find that you don’t need any at all.

You can achieve the lawn you want and also protect our environment, when you practice careful turf management, and Cut It and Leave It!

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Think green before you shop. When you’re out shopping, carefully choose what you buy and how much of it. Purchase durable items instead of disposable products whenever possible. Buy in bulk to save money and reduce packaging waste.

Think Green Before You Shop

Green Grocery: How To Shop To Support the Environment [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Junkmail” tab_id=”junkmail”][vc_column_text]

Consumers can reduce the amount of junk mail – unwanted catalogs, unsolicited credit and insurance offers and more – they receive using the following resources:

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“Pay As You Throw” (PAYT), per unit pricing, per bag pricing and variable rate pricing are all terms to describe trash collection systems wherein residents pay for municipal waste management services per unit of waste collected rather than through a fixed or flat fee. In PAYT systems, residents are either required to purchase special plastic bags for their trash or stickers that are then placed on their garbage bags or cans. Municipalities commonly limit the weight of the bag or can of trash. In some cases, an annual fee is also charged to the residents in these systems.

PAYT systems are a way to equitably charge for trash disposal while encouraging waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and backyard composting.

Listed below are those municipalities in New Jersey that are utilizing a PAYT system as of August 2024. If you know of a municipality that uses PAYT, but is not listed, or to correct information, please contact Steven.Rinaldi@deptest.nj.gov. There are several municipalities in New Jersey that have a modified or partial version of a PAYT system, e.g., residents can put out x number of cans of trash for collection, but must purchase and use a sticker for those cans above the specified limit. The municipalities with such modified or partial PAYT systems are not listed here.[/vc_column_text][vc_table vc_table_theme=”classic”][b;align-center;borders_all]Municipality,[b;align-center;borders_all]County,[b;align-center;borders_all]Type|[align-center;borders_all]Mendham%20Township,[align-center;borders_all]Morris,[align-center;borders_all]Sticker%20(optional)|[align-center;borders_all]Township%20of%20Pennsville,[align-center;borders_all]Salem,[align-center;borders_all]Sticker|[align-center;borders_all]City%20of%20Salem,[align-center;borders_all]Salem,[align-center;borders_all]Sticker[/vc_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pay Bills Online” tab_id=”pay-bills-online”][vc_column_text]

Pay major credit card and utility bills online, and eliminate incoming and outgoing mail.

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Gardening is a healthy hobby enjoyed by millions of New Jersey citizens, but often involves the use of powerful lawn and garden chemical products.  By cutting back on the use of these chemicals or eliminating them altogether, you can reduce your exposure to these strong chemicals.  This will not only protect your family, but also your pets and the wildlife that visits your yard.  Lawn fertilizers and pesticides should also be used sparingly, if at all.  Always follow the instructions provided on the label of these products.  Excess use of fertilizers poses a threat to our waterways.  Visit Jersey Yards to learn more about the effects of fertilizer use.

The following four strategies will help you to reduce the use of chemicals in your garden and yard while still achieving great results:

Cut-It-And-Leave-It

Leave the grass clippings on your lawn when you mow, and let nature do the recycling.  You’ll mow higher and build a lawn that fights weeds by itself.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management, or IPM, offers more ways to protect your plants. Just as there’s a hierarchy of waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), there’s an order to pest control:

  • Remove them physically, or use barriers and traps.
  • Use beneficial insects.
  • Use organic or botanical pesticides(made from plants): they are toxic but break down quickly.
  • Use inorganic pesticides as a last resort.

Learn about Integrated Pest Management .

Soil Testing

Have your soil tested if you are unsure about the health of your soil and grass and whether treatment is needed.  Contact your agricultural agent about soil testing at the address below:

Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory
P.O. Box 902
Milltown, NJ 08850
732-932-9295
soiltest@rcre.rutgers.edu

Going Organic

Most garden shops sell quick-release synthetic fertilizers and inorganic pesticides. Ask if they offer organic options, or shop on line. Read more at:

The Journey to Forever Project

Here Are Things You Can Do Now

  • Take inventory in the garage and shed. Note what products you already have so you don’t buy extra.
  • Buy single products: if you need fertilizer, buy fertilizer. Don’t buy a fertilizer-weedkiller-insecticide mix. This may be harder to find than you think – ask for it!
  • Keep the chemicals in their original containers, or keep the labels with dry product if you pour it into a bucket. Otherwise, you won’t remember how to use it. Follow the directions! Don’t spread more than recommended.
  • Mulch flower beds with 3” of chips or bark or pine needles. It will keep the weeds from germinating, and water from evaporating, so you’ll need less herbicide and water.
  • Spray infested plants with a soap solution before you use stronger insecticides.
  • Invest in soaker hoses now, and cover them with mulch, to cut down on water use in the flower and vegetable gardens, and to prevent powdery mildew.
  • Do you have a butterfly or hummingbird garden? Reduce or eliminate pesticide use to attract more birds and butterflies to your yard.
  • Allow natural growth. Moss and mushrooms will pop up in your shade garden. They are part of the local ecosystem, and don’t require removal.
  • Consider replacing your lawn with planting beds, tall decorative grasses, and paving stones.
  • Plant only native species this year. They are able to withstand local weather and insects. Learn more about Jersey-Friendly Yards.

Make yard care safer for you and your community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Toxicity Reduction in the Home” tab_id=”toxicity-reduction-in-the-home”][vc_column_text css=””]People are exposed every day to toxic materials in their own home in the form of cleansers, pesticides and from fumes from paint and carpeting. Fortunately, comparable products with little or no toxic constituents are available in today’s marketplace. Visit the following websites to learn how to reduce toxics in your home:

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Information

Toxics in Packaging[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4064″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”” el_class=”w-100″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-gifts” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction and the Holidays” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

American households generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  That’s about 1 million extra tons of trash each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  Thankfully, there are many simple and easy things that people can do to reduce the amount of waste generated during the holiday season.

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How to Reduce Food Waste at Home

It is estimated that 40% of food in the United States today goes uneaten, which means that Americans are not only generating a significant quantity of food waste each year, but are throwing out the equivalent of $165 billion annually! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans disposed of more than 38 million tons of food waste in 2014. Furthermore, a recent waste composition study conducted in Mercer County, New Jersey found that food waste was the largest component in the county’s solid waste stream. In fact, nearly 25% of the garbage that was sorted in this study was food waste. Once in landfills, food breaks down to produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.

Food is wasted on the farm, some more in processing, more still in food service and finally in American kitchens. Food thrown away at home includes unopened, unexpired packages, as well as plate scrapings. Surprisingly, more food waste results from food that was not even served rather than from plate scrapings! Yes, this is food that never even got to the table! No one intends to waste food when they go shopping, but that’s what happens.

How does this happen? Often, shoppers buy more than the family can eat because the grocery store offers bulk deals. In addition, people often fail to match their intentions with their actions; they save leftovers but never eat them, or they mean to serve fruit, but eat cookies. Shoppers also often buy extra when they are unsure of portion size. Furthermore, people tend to discard foods that don’t fit into their normal routine; these may be new products that the family tries and dislikes, or specialty foods, such as hot dog buns. Once the hot dogs are eaten, the extra buns go stale. Consumers also discard food that is still safe because they mistake the sell-by date for an expiration date. Others make the opposite error. They have unrealistic ideas about how long food will last, and leave it in the refrigerator too long.

What can you do to reduce food waste?

You can shop and serve smarter, save money and prevent waste by utilizing the strategies listed below.

  • Inventory. Know what you have in the pantry and refrigerator, so you won’t buy duplicates. This goes for the freezer as well: label it, date it, and use it.
  • Make a point to find recipes that use ingredients you already have.
  • Don’t buy perishables in bulk unless you will divide and freeze them into family portions.
  • Use up or avoid those “companion” foods, like hot dog rolls or mint jelly.
  • Go ahead and try new products, but remember to finish them up.
  • Read the fine print: throw it out on the expiration date, not the sell-by date.

Family holiday/special event dinners increase waste, so whether you’re hosting or bringing food, consider:

  • People are eating less candy and sweet foods. They don’t need as many desserts.
  • Encourage guests to bring empty food containers to take leftovers home.
  • Try to get a guest count so you know how much to buy. Chefs differ in their portion estimations, but you can start with a half-pound of meat, or a little more chicken on the bone, and a cup of any side dishes, for each adult.
  • Pay attention at the end of the dinner; what did you throw out? Buy less next time.
  • At barbeques and tailgates, potato and macaroni salads are often left over and discarded. If you’re serving too much, remember next time to buy less.
  • Kids may be too busy playing to eat much. Plan small portions.
  • Use leftovers in lunches. Take them to work or put them in the kids’ lunchboxes.

For additional planning, storage, prep and thriftiness tips that will help you reduce the amount of food that you waste, visit EPA’s Preventing Wasted Food At Home .[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Infographics” tab_id=”infographics”][vc_column_text css=””]The Bureau of Sustainability creates infographics on a variety of sustainability topics. Explore our collection of infographics designed to provide practical tips and strategies for minimizing waste during the holidays. These informative visuals are available for personal use and can also be downloaded to share within your business, workplace, or local government initiatives to promote sustainable practices.

Holiday and New Year’s Infographics[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Trimming our Holiday “Wasteline“” tab_id=”trimming-our-holiday-wasteline”][vc_column_text css=””]

To many, the holiday season is “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for those in the garbage disposal business it is also the busiest time of the year due to the increase in trash generation resulting from holiday festivities. In fact, in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, American households generate 25% more waste. That’s about 1 million extra tons of trash each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  Thankfully, there are many simple and easy things that people can do to reduce the amount of trash they generate during the holiday season. The suggestions found below allow for full enjoyment of the holidays, but at the same time will help you to reduce your environmental footprint this holiday season.

Give experiences:

Many people have more belongings than they have time or space to enjoy. Give a gift experience this year instead of a traditional gift:

  • Language, sports, or music lessons
  • Admission to a museum or exhibition, or tickets to a play
  • Membership to a club or association
  • Health spa gift certificate
  • On-line magazine subscription
  • Park passes and fishing licenses
  • Transit passes and tickets

For kids, the gift of your time will be appreciated:

  • A day at a national park
  • A trip to the circus
  • Dinner out for his/her favorite food
  • A movie
Give investments:

Most gifts don’t last long, but investments do, especially for babies too young to appreciate gifts.

Convinced you must give a real, solid, wrapped gift?

  • Give a gift certificate. The recipient will get only what they want.
  • Buy durable items that will last many years, such as bicycles, tools, a live tree, or quality kitchenware.
  • Let a child’s mind “grow into” the toy. Choose toys that challenge: musical instruments, art supplies, tools, chess sets.
  • Buy pre-owned items. A thrift shop or flea market may have the perfect gift.
  • Buy goods with recycled content.
  • Cut out the snail-mail with e-greetings.
  • Wrap a gift in a scarf, tote, backpack, toolbox or bucket that becomes part of the gift. Or use the increasingly popular paper gift bags.
  • As people open gifts, collect the wrapping paper and recycle it, if it is accepted by your local recycling program. (Be sure no small toy parts or plastic wrappings are tossed into the recycling bag).
  • Buy a live tree, and plant it.
After the holidays:
  • You might find that you have older things that you no longer need now that you have received new gifts or you may have received gifts you just don’t want. Call and find out
    what your local charities and non-profit organizations need. Remember, giving to charitable organizations tends to drop off after the holidays, so keep these organizations in mind.
  • All those catalogs you ordered, to help with shopping, just keep coming and coming. The average American receives more than 500 pieces of junk mail each year. That’s about a tree for every household. Call the ordering number on the back of the catalog and have them stop delivery.
  • Recycle your tree. Programs will be listed in the newspaper or announced on local radio.
  • Bring used polystyrene packaging peanuts and other polystyrene packing materials to a local mailing center so that they can be reused.
  • Join an item swapping club, such as Freecycle to keep usable items out of landfills.

And, of course, don’t forget to recycle all those pre-holiday catalogs, corrugated boxes, and cans and bottles from holiday get-togethers!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4065″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-building-lock” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction at the Office” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Conduct a Waste Audit” tab_id=”conduct-a-waste-audit”][vc_column_text css=””]

A waste audit is a formal, structured analysis of an organization’s waste stream that enables one to determine what types of recyclable materials and waste one’s office or facility generates and how much of each type is recovered for recycling or discarded. By using the data generated by a waste audit, organizations can identify ways in which they can reduce their waste generation, improve their recycling program and determine the potential for cost savings.  Check out the waste audit resources on the New Jersey WasteWise Business Network.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Paper Reduction Strategies” tab_id=”paper-reduction-strategies”][vc_column_text css=””]Explore the resources below, to help your office transition to a more paper-efficient and environmentally conscious operation.

Reducing Paper Use in the Office
The Paperless Society
The Pull Printing Option
Take Paperless Notes
Reducing Paper and Printer Ink Usage
Catalogs – Contact Catalog Choice to opt out of receiving catalogs [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Non-Paper Waste Reduction” tab_id=”non-paper-waste-reduction”][vc_column_text css=””]Discover effective strategies for minimizing waste in the office with the links below.  Whether you’re looking to implement small changes or overhaul your office’s waste management practices, these resources are designed to guide and inspire your efforts.

Reusable Transport Packaging
Reduce Waste and Save Money Through Purchasing
Four Easy Non-Paper Waste Reduction Ideas
Cut It and Leave It (leave grass clippings on your company’s lawn)
Donate Unwanted Office Furniture
Donate Unwanted Office Supplies – Check with local schools and charities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Other Workplace Waste Reduction” tab_id=”other-workplace-waste-reduction”][vc_column_text css=””]Below are additional ways to reduce waste in the workplace.

  • Use refillable products such as pens, pencils, tape dispensers and calendars
  • Use solar powered calculators
  • Reuse bank deposit bags
  • Eliminate single use cups
  • Buy less toxic and energy friendly products.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4072″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-recycle” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Reuse Strategies” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=”” el_id=”reuse-strategies”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]In setting waste reduction strategies, the first priority is the elimination of waste; the second is reuse. Reuse programs keep materials that would otherwise be discarded out of the waste stream and make quality products available to people and organizations with limited means, while generating jobs and business activity that contribute to the economy. Reuse includes conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function, and new-life reuse (often referred to as “repurposing’) where an item is used for a different function.[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Donation” tab_id=”donation”][vc_column_text css=””]

It has often been said that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted items, try donating or selling them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you’ll be helping others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schools, nonprofit organizations and other organizations may accept a variety of donated items. Check out the reuse opportunities below and look for additional opportunities in your area.

Appliances – Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores accept donations of new and gently used appliances.

Architectural Items – Recycling the Past, Inc. is an architectural salvage company that specializes in architectural salvage for the home and garden. This company might be interested in architectural items that you no longer want or need.

Bags (Reusable Shopping Bags) – Food pantries, soup kitchens and other food relief organizations accept donated reusable shopping bags and use them for distributing food to the needy.  Community Food Bank of New Jersey maintains a list of locations where reusable bags can be donated.

Bicycles

  • Pedals for Progress accepts donations of used bicycles which are then shipped to developing countries where they are used for basic transportation, and as a resource for school and community programs.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange is a volunteer-led enterprise that repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location. All proceeds from the sales of bikes benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County.

Binders – Many schools will accept donations of used binders. Check with your local school district.

Books

  • New Legacy Books is an organization that collects used books in New Jersey through a donation bin system. Books will be resold to individuals that can give the books a new home at the same time raising funds for organizations in the community.
  • BookSmiles is a non-profit organization that collects, sorts, and redistributes used children’s books and provides them at no cost to teachers and children in need of books.
  • Most libraries will accept donations of books. Many schools will also accept donations of books. Stores that sell used books might also be interested in the books that you no longer want or need.

Boxes (Corrugated Cardboard) – In an effort to reduce waste, U-Haul’s Box Exchange program helps customers sell, give away, or find used corrugated cardboard boxes.

Bras

  • The Bra Recyclers , based in Arizona, collect unwanted bras and donates them to women’s shelters. The company receives 4,000 bras per month and supplies more than 40 shelters around the country.
  • I Support the Girls is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations of new and gently used bras which are then distributed to girls and women experiencing homelessness.

Bricks – Old bricks that are still in good shape can be cleaned up and reused. Check with local recyclers of construction and demolition waste or architectural salvage companies to see if they would be interested in your old bricks for sale as reclaimed bricks. Companies that recycle various components of construction and demolition debris can be found on the NJDEP’s
database of Class B recycling centers.

Building Materials – Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are retail establishments that sell quality used and surplus building materials at reduced prices. Building materials sold at ReStores are donated by building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews and the general public.

Clothes

  • Goodwill Industries International, Inc. and the Salvation Army both accept used clothing donations.
  • Helpsy is a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp whose mission is to keep textiles out of the landfill via reuse and recycling.
  • thredUP is a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp whose mission is to keep textiles out of the landfill via reuse and recycling.
  • There are numerous organizations throughout New Jersey that collect old clothes for reuse via donation boxes.
  • Consignment shops are stores that sell secondhand items (typically clothing and accessories) on behalf of the original owner, who receives a percentage of the selling price. Search online for consignment shops near you.

Compact Discs – Most libraries will accept donations of used CDs. Check with your local library.

DVDs – Most libraries will accept donations of used DVDs. Check with your local library.

Eyeglasses

  • Lions Clubs International accepts donations of used eyeglasses and distributes them to people in need in low and middle income communities where they will have the greatest impact. Eyeglasses can be donated via Lions collection boxes or by mail.
  • New Eyes is a nonprofit organization that distributes used, donated eyeglasses to the disadvantaged in developing countries.

Food (surplus)

Furniture and Household Goods

Glasses (see “Eyeglasses” above)

Hearing Aids – The Hearing Aid Project accepts all types of used hearing aids – any age, any brand, and any model. No matter how old or what brand your hearing aid is, it can be used to help someone in need.

Industrial Items – repurposedMATERIALS, Inc . accepts industrial byproducts and waste streams and “repurposes” these items, giving them a second life with a new use. Examples: retired street sweeping brushes are repurposed as backscratchers for horses or cattle; billboard vinyls are repurposed as tarps, covers and liners; and rubber conveyor belts are repurposed as fencing and industrial flooring.

Kitchens (Luxury) – Aurora is an organization that will help you donate your old luxury kitchen for reuse purposes as you undergo a renovation on your kitchen.

Medical Equipment – Goodwill Home Medical Equipment collects, sanitizes, refurbishes and sells gently-used, durable medical equipment and unopened medical supplies at affordable prices.

Miscellaneous Items

  • Charitable organizations may be interested in miscellaneous items that you no longer want or need (example, toys). Check with local charitable organizations before putting usable items in the trash.
  • Freecycle is a grassroots and nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods via an online exchange. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers. Membership is free.

Office Furniture – Office furniture (desks, chairs, filing cabinets, etc.) that is old and no longer wanted, but still usable, can be donated to and reused by other organizations in need of such items. Check with local nonprofit organizations to see if there is any interest in your old office furniture.

Paint – Leftover paint that is in good condition can be donated to: friends and relatives who admire the color schemes of your home; community groups, such as churches, schools and non-profit organizations that are involved with community housing projects; and artist groups that create murals or do painting projects. You can also sell or donate your leftover paint through a garage sale or on free online sites.

Pallets (Wood) – Wood pallets that are broken can be repaired and reused. Check with local pallet companies about reuse opportunities. Many wood pallet recycling companies also repair and reuse old pallets. Such companies can be found on the NJDEP’s database of Class B recycling centers.

Polystyrene Packing “Peanuts” and Packaging – Many shipping/mail centers accept used plastic (polystyrene) packing peanuts and packaging for reuse. Check with local shipping/mail centers to see if they provide this service.

Sewing Machines – Pedals for Progress accepts donations of used sewing machines which are then shipped to developing countries where they become productive assets for the poor. The sewing machines are provided to non-profit vocational education programs, small businesses, community service programs and individuals.

Shoes (Footwear)

  • Soles4Souls collects used shoes and distributes them to those in need free of charge. Over 10 million pairs of shoes have been reused and thus kept out of landfills.
  • There are numerous organizations throughout New Jersey that collect old footwear for reuse via donation boxes .

Sports Equipment – There are many organizations that are eagerly looking for donations of new or used sporting equipment. These non-profit organizations then distribute the donated sporting equipment to needy communities in the United States, as well as to developing countries in need of assistance.

Tennis Balls

  • reBounces,LLC , based in Harrison, Arkansas, is in the business of recharging “dead” tennis balls. The company uses a patented re-pressurization system that puts the bounce back into the tennis balls, thereby extending their lives as practice balls. reBounces sells the re-pressurized practice tennis balls at a reduced price to consumers.
  • Recycle Balls , a nonprofit organization dedicated to recycling old tennis balls, has kept almost 12 million old tennis balls out of landfills through their reuse and recycling program.

Toner Cartridges – Toner cartridges can be refurbished and then reused. Contact local companies that sell toner cartridges about reuse opportunities.

Toys – The non-profit Second Chance Toys keeps rigid plastic toys out of landfills by promoting their collection and then arranging for the toys to be donated to local organizations serving disadvantaged children.

Turf (Artificial) – Artificial Grass Recyclers buys old artificial turf fields and sells reused turf to those looking for less expensive turf for a project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Freecycle Network” tab_id=”freecycle-network”][vc_column_text]

Freecycle aims to keep items out of landfills by providing an internet listings service to help people give unwanted items to someone else for free in their own community. Keeping stuff out of landfills helps build a sustainable future, is good for the environment and builds local and world communities.  Freecycle (officially known as The Freecycle Network) is made up of thousands of groups with millions of members across the globe. It’s a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free. Freecycle groups operate in specific towns or areas – so it’s local as well as global.

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Consider renting those tools that you may only need for one project rather than buying them and having them sit idle for years and deteriorate unused. For example, big power tools, landscape tools, snow blowers and even furniture can be rented.

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Garage sales and consignment stores allow used goods to move from hand to hand, and return a portion of the original cost to the former owners. By purchasing used items, you help to keep materials out of the landfill and cut down on the number of new goods manufactured.

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Your neighbors and family can share big items like extension ladders and chain saws.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4067″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-award” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”NJDEP Recycling Award Winners – Waste Reduction, Resource Management and Sustainability Category” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”2024 – Booksmiles” tab_id=”booksmiles”][vc_column_text css=””]Booksmiles is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping used books out of the waste stream and getting them into the hands of teachers, as well as students in need. Booksmiles now recovers 94 tons of used books per month. The organization provides the recovered books for free to all and even sends books overseas to impoverished countries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2024 – Morris and Sussex Counties’ Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Programs” tab_id=”morris-and-sussex-counties”][vc_column_text css=””]Morris and Sussex Counties’ Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling programs diverted many tons of contaminant-free, recyclable plastic material from being landfilled.  The program was well received by the local boating community and continues to grow. The Lake Hopatcong Foundation, Roxbury Clean Communities, and the recycler UltraPoly Corporation are other key partners in the program. A dedicated educational campaign was developed to promote the program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2023 – Rutgers Cooperative Extension” tab_id=”rutgers-cooperative-extension”][vc_column_text css=””]Rutgers Cooperative Extension has been advancing the cause of food waste reduction and sustainable eating in New Jersey for the past several years. Recognizing the potential for schools to educate students about waste reduction, Rutgers Cooperative Extension formed a Food Waste Team with a goal to achieve a 50 percent reduction in food waste in New Jersey by 2030.  The organization helps public schools across the state implement programs to reduce, recover and recycle wasted food.  Rutgers Cooperative Extension has facilitated food waste audits, provided training for food service staff and administrators, and introduced Share Tables, allowing unwanted food to be collected and redistributed within the school or to food pantries. The organization has also developed comprehensive toolkits and curricula for schools.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2022 – Atlantic Health System” tab_id=”Atlantic-health-system”][vc_column_text css=””]Atlantic Health System , based in Morristown, serves more than half the state of New Jersey through its network of medical facilities, which includes seven hospitals.  Atlantic Health System implemented an innovative program wherein Powered Air Purifying Respirators were used in place of disposable respirators during the Covid pandemic.  With disposable personal protective equipment in short supply and in need throughout the world, Atlantic Health System made a significant financial investment in reusable and rechargeable Powered Air Purifying Respirators.  By using these devices, Atlantic Health System saved 2,400 disposable respirators from being used and disposed each day.  Over the course of a year, this initiative kept over 876,000 disposable respirators out of the waste stream.  The use of the Powered Air Purifying Respirators also kept other disposable personal protective equipment out of the waste stream.  This program not only reduced waste but proved to be cost effective and a model for other health organizations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2021 – Matriark Foods” tab_id=”matriark-foods”][vc_column_text css=””]Matriark Foods is an organization that works with farmers, aggregators, and food service providers to rescue edible food. Matriark uses surplus vegetables from these sources to make a healthy vegetable stew that is then provided to those in need. Matriark Foods partnered with Table to Table, a community food rescue organization, during the 2020 pandemic to rescue, upcycle, and donate 620,000 pounds of food (the equivalent of more than 500,000 meals) that would have otherwise gone to waste. Matriark Foods used the proceeds of a grant from ReFED, a national nonprofit working to end food loss and waste across the U.S. food system, to purchase surplus vegetables from farmers which were then made into vegetable stew that was distributed to the hungry in Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Hudson Counties. If the 620,000 pounds of food that were rescued had instead been disposed, the disposal alone would have generated greenhouse gases in excess of 20,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2021 – Goodwill Home Medical Equipment” tab_id=”goodwill-home-medical-equipment”][vc_column_text css=””]Goodwill Home Medical Equipment reduces medical equipment waste by accepting donations of gently used medical equipment at all Goodwill donation sites.  The organization also picks up large medical items at consumers’ homes free of charge.  This service continued during the pandemic of 2020.  Goodwill Home Medical Equipment sanitizes and refurbishes the medical equipment and provides it to individuals in need at affordable prices without a prescription from a physician. The organization believes that this program helps individuals live more independently and improves their quality of life.  It also supports the environment by keeping many tons of medical equipment out of the waste stream.  In serving over 5,400 customers in 2020, Goodwill Home Medical Equipment kept the following items out of the landfill:  257 hospital beds, 920 wheelchairs, 90 scooters, 47 specialty chairs, 2,000 walking aids, 83 pieces of pediatric equipment and 830 pieces of general medical equipment and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2020 – Merck & Co., Inc.” tab_id=”Merck”][vc_column_text css=””]Merck & Co., Inc. , a pharmaceutical company with its largest New Jersey sites located in Rahway and Kenilworth, has a comprehensive waste reduction, recycling and sustainability program. The company recycles food waste through two on-site food waste composters, recycles difficult-to-recycle lab plastics, implemented a reusable coffee mug program and strives for zero waste in all its in-house events.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2019 – Second Chance Toys” tab_id=”second-chance-toys”][vc_column_text css=””]The non-profit Second Chance Toys keeps rigid plastic toys out of landfills by promoting their collection and then arranging for the toys to be donated to local organizations serving disadvantaged children. In 2018, Second Chance Toys collected 13,520 plastic toys in New Jersey, a 20 percent increase from the 10,875 toys collected in 2017. Since 2017, the program has saved solid waste disposal tipping costs for participating communities and kept more than 140,000 pounds of plastic toys from being disposed in landfills.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2018 – Pioneers, Chapter 99 and Ericsson” tab_id=”pioneers-chapter-99-and-ericsson”][vc_column_text]Members of Pioneers, Chapter 99 and Ericsson diverted from landfills more than 183 tons of surplus office supplies, equipment and furnishings resulting from a redesign of two of the Ericsson company’s locations. The items were instead donated to more than 240 schools and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Liberia and Belize. The voluntary effort dubbed “The Big Sweep” involved cleaning out office supplies from 808,000 square feet of office space, organizing the supplies into an inventory, finding non-profit organizations in need of the supplies and sending the items to those organizations.  Contact Laurene O’Donnell, lari.odonnell1@gmail.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2017 – Pedals for Progress” tab_id=”pedals-for-progress”][vc_column_text css=””]Pedals for Progress , a nonprofit organization, has diverted an estimated 100,000 pounds of materials in 2015 and 88,000 pounds of materials in 2016 from landfills and other waste streams by collecting and shipping used bicycles and sewing machines to partner organizations. The equipment supports economic development in developing countries, and helps underprivileged individuals overseas in need of non-polluting transportation. Since its founding in 1991, Pedals for Progress has diverted more than 4.5 million pounds of materials from the waste stream.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2017 – New Jersey Habitat for Humanity ReStores” tab_id=”new-jersey-habitat-for-humanity-restores”][vc_column_text css=””]Habitat for Humanity ReStores are building supply outlets that sell new and gently used building supplies, furnishings and appliances to help promote neighborhood revitalization while reducing landfill waste.  The Northern Ocean County Habitat ReStore in fiscal year 2016 diverted nearly five times more waste than it did in 2001, while the Warren County ReStore has seen a steady improvement of 5 percent annually that is projected to continue for at least the next three years.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]