Reduce

What does reducing waste mean?

When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later. Changing your habits is the key - think about ways you can reduce your waste at home (PDF), at work (PDF) and when shopping (PDF). There's a ton of ways for you to reduce waste, save yourself some time and money, and be good to the Earth at the same time.

Read more (PDF) with our Reduce Your Waste Size brochure or continue reading for waste reduction hints and tips.

Resusable Bag placed in Car

Tips for reducing waste at home, school and work

  • Avoid disposable, single-use items
  • Purchase products with recyclable or minimal packaging
  • Use refillable spray bottles
  • Use reusable bags
  • Purchased reused, consignment or thrift
  • Set all printers to double sided printing
  • Purchase only what you need
  • Pack a no waste lunch
  • Buy concentrates
  • Borrow or rent seldom used items instead of purchasing them
  • Before you recycle junk mail, call the senders 1-800 number and ask to be removed from their mailing list
  • Buy in bulk

Rent or Borrow

Save space and money by renting items. Find a rental store near you.
Learn more:
Minnesota Rental Association
Minnesota Tool Library

Learn more: 

Reducing and reusing basics
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Refuse
Reducing toxins in your home