Preventing Waste

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Preventing Waste

Recycling is not the only way for you to minimize your waste. Reusing items is a great thing to do. You can start with the ideas below.
Use washable cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products.
Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store. You could also reuse the plastic bags that you use for fruits and vegetables.
Wash out and reuse food jars to store your leftovers.
Minimize packaging waste by purchasing products such as juices in concentrated form. You can then use reusable containers to store the juice.
Bring a reusable coffee cup or mug to work. Even if you fill it only two times a day, you will be saving almost 500 paper cups a year.

Other Options

Household Hazardous Waste:
Call Metro, 503.234.3000

Paint:
Most paint stores will take your paint in for recycling.

Computers:
STRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology)
503.614.1627

Reusable Construction Materials:
Rebuilding Center
2015 NW 23rd
Portland
503.221.3193
or
St. Vincent De Paul Home and Garden Depot
3600 SE 28th
Portland
503.232.6035

Construction Debris:
Call Metro for a copy of the Construction Site Recycling Guide
503.234.3000

Books and Bicycles:
Neighborhood Recycling Center
5525 SE 28th Avenue
Portland
503.238.1640

Styrofoam Peanuts:
Call the “Styrofoam Peanuts Hotline” for a location near you
1.800.828.2214
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