Zero Waste Tips

Rethink – what can you do differently?

Before you buy an item, or use and discard one, ask yourself:

• Can I buy this product with less packaging, no packaging or in a reusable container?
• Can I or someone else use this again?
• Will the manufacturer take this product back at the end of its life?
• Can I recycle this after I use it?

Reduce – generate less garbage

• Buy products that are made to last
• Buy in bulk or select the largest container possible
• Use reusable products, such as:
  • Reusable grocery bags
  • Reusable water bottles and coffee mugs
  • Cloth towels and napkins
  • Reusable food containers
  • Rechargeable batteries

Reuse – extend the life of what you have

• Donate unwanted items to local charities, thrift stores or through online communities
• Find new options for donating or reselling unwanted items with the Austin Reuse Directory
• Take products back to manufacturers when possible

Recycle – close the loop

• Buy goods packaged in recycled and recyclable materials
• Compost your food scraps and yard trimmings
• Recycle as much as possible