Guide G-314 • Page 1

As a nation, we are generating more garbage all the timeand we don’t know what to do with it. Ineffective orirresponsible disposal of this waste can pollute the envi-ronment and pose a health risk to the public. We arerunning out of space in existing landfills. Additionally, noone wants a landfill, incinerator or recycling center in theirneighborhood.

There are two social forces contributing to our wastemanagement problems. First, Americans have become athrow-away society. The amount of refuse discarded byAmerican households is staggering, about 4 to 5 lbs. perperson per day. Secondly, Americans generally subscribeto the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) and LULU syn-dromes (Locally Unacceptable Land Use).

Waste disposal is an immediate, critical issue for com-munities all over the country. Citizens are discovering thatthere is no easy way to get rid of the garbage they onceassumed could be buried or burned and forgotten.

Just as types of waste are changing, as chemically-basedproducts multiply, so must our attitudes towards wastedisposal change. Waste disposal costs are escalating anddemanding an increasing percentage of community bud-gets. Current disposal methods threaten our health, safetyand environment. Most industrial, commercial and house-hold waste is now being placed in landfills or surfaceimpoundments. Waste treated in this manner may contami-nate groundwater, rivers and streams. When waste is burned,it releases hazardous gases into the air and leaves toxicresidues in the form of ash.

Landfills which provided a deceptively simple solutionare closing either because they are full or because they donot meet new federal or state standards. Siting of newlandfills is difficult because of public opposition. As land-fills close and costs of landfilling escalate, the pressure toincinerate mounts. Incinerators are costly to build, and theydo not always meet favorably with public opinion.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

People are beginning to realize that the solution lies inusing garbage as a RESOURCE rather than refuse to bedestroyed. Localities, by their own choosing, or by govern-

ment mandate, are now choosing to recycle to reduce thewaste stream. In New Mexico, the Legislature passed theSolid Waste Act of 1990 which set a goal of diverting 25%of New Mexico’s municipal solid waste from landfills by1995 and 50 percent by July 1, 2000.

In order to manage waste, the EPA and the Solid WasteAct favor an integrated solid waste management strategythat includes parts: 1) reducing the amount of solid wastegenerated; 2) recycling as much refuse as possible; 3) en-vironmentally safe transformation of waste; and 4) con-tinuing safe landfilling.

Reducing and reusing are the most viable alternatives,however, no single method will solve the waste problem aseffectively as a comprehensive program that relies on anumber of solutions for different situations. Source reduc-tion (elimination of unnecessary packaging, and buyingand using fewer toxic products) and recycling are themethods of choice and the direct involvement of citizens isessential. Landfilling and incineration should be used onlyfor the waste that cannot be used as a resource.

Cooperative Extension ServiceCollege of Agriculture and

Home Economics

Reduce-Reuse-RecycleAlternatives for Waste Management

Guide G-314

Revised by Constance Kratzer,Family Resources Management Specialist

This publication is scheduled to be updated and reissued 11/07.

To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agriculture and Home Economicson the World Wide Web at www.cahe.nmsu.edu

Guide G-314 • Page 2

Even though solid waste management has not been ahigh priority of the federal government in recent years, thegovernment could affect waste management in a number ofways: by establishing national recycling goals and packag-ing standards, adopting a clearly stated policy on sourcereduction, and implementing educational programs on allapproaches to waste minimization. The federal govern-ment could also set an example for the states and stimulatemarkets for recycled products by recycled materials.

The U.S. is currently recycling only a small percentageof its waste. The benefits of recycling come not only fromthe sale of recycled materials and conservation of resourcesbut also as a result of reducing expenses or from “avoidedcosts.” The savings derived from not paying tipping feesfor landfilling or incineration of the materials which arerecycled should be included in any cost/benefit analysis ofrecycling. The cost of extending the life of a current landfillor of closing an old landfill and developing a new one mustalso be taken in account.

The waste management problem is complex because itinvolves a multitude of scientific, technical, economic andsocial factors. Due to the complexity of the situation, it willrequire the cooperation of government, industry, and indi-viduals working as partners rather than adversaries to finda long-term solution.

REDUCING THE WASTE STREAM

The character of New Mexico is the cumulative result ofall the actions of the 1.8 million people who live here. NewMexico cannot move toward a more frugal use of itsresources any faster than its people choose to move. Thebottom line is that the waste you generate does make adifference. If you generate less, that too, makes a difference.

Reducing the waste stream is the most significant of allthe options to manage waste. If we never generate thewaste, then we do not have to devise ways to dispose of it.To reduce the waste we produce usually means lifestylechanges. Reduce the amount you buy in the first place.Purchase only the amount you need. By becoming betterenvironmental shoppers we can reduce the wastewe generate.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Each person adds to the waste management problem. Ifeach household reduces its waste, the problem will bereduced. You can start by analyzing what you throw awayat home.

Think about the goods, services you buy and the activi-ties you support. In what ways do they contribute to thesolid waste problem? How could you purchase and disposeof items in ways that generate less trash? What can you doto voice your opinion about solid waste issues in yourcommunity?

For example, consider:

• Buying goods in returnable and recyclable containers.

• Learning where you can take items to be recycled; thenshow your support by recycling.

• Reading labels and learning more about the contents inhousehold products. Try not to purchase items with harm-ful ingredients.

• Letting store managers and manufacturers who are mak-ing good environmental choices know that you recognizeand appreciate their efforts.

• Requesting larger quantities and sizes of products byintroducing a bulk buying section for grains, pasta, andother dry goods.

• Using consumer hotlines provided as a service by manyfood companies. Explain the need for environmentalshopping and why you support it. Companies are veryinterested in how their products are perceived byconsumers.

Ask manufacturers to consider these areas when design-ing packaging:

• Plan for recyclability, both in design and material choice.

• Eliminate excessive packaging.

• Have more reusable or refillable packages.

• Use creative thinking to find less wasteful solutions totheft prevention and shelf marketing.

• Substitute non-toxic pigments and stabilizers.

• Design plastics for return and refill.

• Concentrate on the best and most efficient methods forminimizing the generation of waste.

Guide G-314 • Page 3

These actions require cooperation among businesses,stockholders, government, employees, the general public,consumers and others. They also involve changes inlifestyles and values.

Select Durable Items

Select products that are durable, easy to repair, havegood warranties, are energy efficient, functional, non-polluting in both manufacture and use. Disposable itemssuch as plastic plates, polystyrene cups, razors, pens, cam-eras, watches and other items all end up in the landfill.Invest in durable materials that you can use over and overagain such as using cloth for napkins.

Some throw-away items that cause concern include:

Disposable razors. Annually, more than 2 billion dis-posable razors were bought in the U.S alone. Today’sdisposable razors, made from plastic and steel can occupyspace in the landfill for many years. Invest in a quality razorand change the blade or use an electric razor.

Disposable diapers. Disposable diapers are made of anouter layer of waterproof polypropylene plastic. Sand-wiched in between the plastic and water repellent liner is athick layer of and absorbent cotton-like material made fromwood pulp. It is estimated that 75,000 metric tons of plasticand 1,265,000 tons of wood pulp are used every year tomake disposable diapers in the U.S. About 5 million tons ofdirty diapers are buried in landfills in the U.S. each year andconsumers spend at least $100 million annually to disposeof these.

Batteries. Certain kinds of batteries are recyclable,however, many find their way into landfills or into incin-erators where they should not be. Shop for the longestlasting batteries or rechargeable ones. Often batteries canbe traded in when a new battery is purchased as batteriescreate a problem in disposal.

Tires. More than 200 million tires are discarded eachyear in the U.S. You can help reduce this amount by buyinghigh-mileage tires and by maintaining proper air pressurein your tires. Remember to check tire pressure every othertime you fill your fuel tank.

Paper products. Minimize use of paper towels, paperplates and napkins. Invest in cloth napkins for everyday useand use reusable wiping cloths, towels and plates ratherthan paper “throw aways.”

Consider Packaging

One of the best ways to reduce municipal solid waste isto limit packaging. Packaging comprises about 40% of thesolid waste stream according to a Franklin Associatesstudy for the EPA. It accounts for 50% of all paper pro-duced in the U.S., 90% of all glass and 11% of all thealuminum. One dollar out of every $11 spent for groceriesin the U.S. pays for packaging.

Overpackaged Items

An item surrounded by polystyrene beads in a box thatis inside another box that is wrapped in plastic may be verysecure. However, all that extra packaging material (the costof which is added to the price you pay for the product)generally ends up in the landfill. Buy items such as fruit,vegetables and dry goods that use little or no packaging at all.

Refillable & Resealable Containers

Use refillable containers. Many food cooperatives allowcustomers to bring their own containers to refill. Peanutbutter, cooking oil, honey, shampoo, flour, nuts and manyother products can be purchased in this manner. Invest inresealable containers for storing left overs; avoid usingdisposable plastic wraps, storage bags, and othersuch materials.

Bulk Packaging

Buy food and dry goods in bulk sizes. Items with a longshelf-life such as laundry detergent, flour and dry pet foodcan be purchased in large-size containers. Avoid individu-ally wrapped portions of items such as cheese, fruit, andjuice servings which are expensive and add to thewaste stream.

Guide G-314 • Page 4

Concentrates and Less Processed Foods

Purchase concentrates and add the liquid yourself.Transfer to a small container(s) that can be used overand over. Eat lower on the food chain by using lesshighly processed foods. Foods in their natural or rawform have less packaging.

SUPPORT REDUCTION

Buy Recycled Materials

No material is truly recycleduntil it is brought back intoproductive use in manufactur-ing and production. Consumerpreference for products madefrom recycle materials can help“close the recycling loop” byincreasing demand for col-lected recyclables. Look for a recycling symbol.

Buy Goods That Can Be Recycled

Buy products in containers that can be recycled. If aproduct such as cooking oil or peanut butter is sold in arecyclable container such as glass and a similar container ina non-recyclable material, select the one that is mostrecyclable.

When you purchase items from the store, evaluate eachone as to cost, convenience and environmental impact. Inother words, how many pieces of material will have to bedisposed of in the local landfill?

Use Appropriate Technologies

Use appropriate technologies, whenever possible, suchas solar power to dry clothes and heat water, or “human”power to open cans or brush teeth. Recycle and cut back onitems that use up nonrenewable resources.

Reduce Toxic Chemical Use

In minimizing the amount of toxic chemicals in thehome, substitute less toxic commercial products or makeyour own less toxic cleaning materials. Contact your Ex-tension office for information. Substitute manual pumpspray containers rather than using aerosols. They are lessexpensive and the bottles can be refilled and used over andover. Home remedies can be prepared that will save moneyand reduce the need for costly disposal of householdhazardous waste.

• Keep your oven clean by sprinkling dry baking soda, thenscrubbing with a damp cloth after 5 minutes.

• Rather than use ammonia-based window cleaners,mix 2 T. vinegar with 1 qt. warm water and rub withnewspaper.

• Unclog drains with a metal snake or plunger, rather thanusing toxic drain openers.

• Use cedar instead of moth balls.

• Use latex or water based paints. Donate leftovers totheater groups or shelters.

• Use dry oxygen bleach or borax instead of chlorinebleach.

• Instead of chemical furniture and floor polishes, dissolve2 t. lemon oil in 1 pt. mineral oil. Then apply and buff.

SUPPORT REUSE

The idea of being wasteful makes many people uncom-fortable. Yet most of us continue to waste because we can’tthink of anything better to do with last year’s phonebook,draperies that are too short or a closet door that wasscratched by a favorite pet. We are conditioned to think ofthings that are old, empty, worn, broken, ugly or marred, asuseless so we throw them away without much thought tothe consequences. Most Americans buy far more than theycan use effectively as evidenced by bulging attics andgarages.

The process of reusing is started with the assumptionthat the used materials that flow through our lives can be aresource rather than refuse. Waste, after all, is in the eye ofthe beholder. What is one person’s trash is another one’streasure. If we really look at things we are throwing away,we can learn to see them as materials that can be reused tosolve everyday problems and satisfy everyday needs. Mostof us, however, haven’t even begun to exploit the resourcesin our trash. Once you have your mind set that you can usetrash for positive uses, you can begin to brainstorm andgenerate ideas. Reusing saves money, conserves resourcesand it satisfies the human urge to make things.

Strategies in Reusing

• Containers can be reused at home or for school projects.

• Reuse wrapping paper, plastic bags, boxes and lumber.

• Give outgrown clothing to friends or a charity.

• Buy beverages in returnable containers.

Guide G-314 • Page 5

• Save items that are used in schools, day care centers, byscouts and senior citizens. Examples of the materialsinclude:

aluminum containers coat hangersbeads coffee cansbeans gift wrapbottles magazinesboxes mirrorsbrushes oatmeal boxesbuttons paper bagsburlap foil pie panscalendar plastic bagscandles rug samplescarpet scraps seedsChristmas cards shopping bagscloth scraps toilet paper rollswallpaper samples yogurt containers

SUPPORT RECYCLING

Recycling Generates Industry

As New Mexicans recycle, there will be a growingsupply of materials generated. In order to utilize theserecycled materials, manufacturing facilities will emerge tofind uses for them. As more recycling plants are built andmore products are manufactured, we will gain a greaterunderstanding of the entire process.

Recycling Creates Jobs

Recycling can create jobs. A report at the New YorkRecycling Forum estimated that recycling 10,000 tons ofmaterials would create 36 jobs compared to six forlandfilling the same amount. Some communities haveformed working partnerships with workshops for the dis-abled, developed and administered job training partner-ships or otherwise found work for unemployed labor inrecycling programs.

Cost Avoidance of Recycling

For years, recycling has been hampered by the belief thatit should make money. That may be true for somerecyclables, but not for others. Rather, recycling should bethrought of as a cost effective disposal option. It usuallyrequires fewer government subsidies than landfilling orincineration. It saves natural resources and helps protect theenvironment. Lower taxes, energy savings, and a cleanerenvironment are the real “bottom lines” in favor of recycling.

• Try repair before you consider replacing lawn mowers,tools, vacuum cleaners, and TVs.

• Donate broken appliances to charity or a local vocationalschool which can use them for art class or for students topractice repairing.

• Offer furniture and household items no longer needed topeople in need, friends, or charity.

• Sheets of paper that have been used on only one side canbe used for note-taking or rough drafts.

• Old, outdated furniture can be reupholstered or slipcovered.Have padding added to the furniture to give it a new look.Often the frame can be modified slightly to change theway it looks.

• Old pieces of furniture can be repaired or finished withspecial finishes such as splattering, sponging or rag paint-ing which takes very little time and skill.

• Old towels and sheets can be cut in small pieces and usedfor dust cloths.

• Plastic bags and wraps can be used for storing items. Theycan also be used for packing items for mailing.

• Books and magazines can be donated to schools, publiclibraries or nursing homes.

• Newspapers can be donated to pet stores.

• Packing materials such as polystyrene, plastic quiltingand similar packing materials can be saved and reused forthe same purpose.

• Carry a reusable tote bag or take bags to the store when yougo shopping. There are attractive nylon mesh bags avail-able that can be stored easily in the glove compartment ofyour car. Durable canvas bags which take very little spaceto tuck away when not in use can be used.

• If you buy prepared microwaveable dinners, save theplates for use at outside parties or for children.

• Reuse containers. Many containers can be used in schoolprojects. Ask your school what sizes and types they wouldlike you to save.

• Old tires can be used in the garden and in the play yard.

Guide G-314 • Page 6

Finding Markets or “Closing the Loop”

Finding outlets for recycled waste is a critical element ofa successful recycling program. For communities, a firststep is to identify long established local dealers. As recy-cling becomes more important, cooperatives may becomeavailable in rural areas to help find markets for products.Local recycling industries may be developed.

There are additional strategies that states and localitiescan use to successfully develop markets. These include:

• Establishing quidelines for buying supplies and equip-ment and encouraging industry to label the percent ofrecycled material in a given item.

• Establishing financial incentives such as tax credits orloans.

• Finding buyers for locally produced recycled products.

• Exploring the development of new products made fromwaste.

• Promoting cooperative marketing programs where a non-profit organization puts recyclers and buyers of recycledproducts in touch with one another.

COLLECTING RECYCLABLES

Collection Methods

Curbside collection requires homeowners to separaterecyclables from their garbage. Clean recyclables are placedin special containers while the garbage goes in standardcontainers. Both are placed at the curb for collection byseparate trucks. In apartment complexes centrally locatedcontainers can be made available.

The separated recyclable materials are taken to a pro-cessing facility and prepared for shipment to end marketswhich will use the materials to make new products.Recyclables are cleaner if they are separated from thegarbage by the homeowner. Cleaner materials are easier tosell and receive better prices.

Drop–off centers are one of the simplest forms ofcollecting recyclable materials: citizens drop off their usedglass, metal, plastic and newsprint at a designated recyclingdrop-off site. These centers are usually placed in an easilyaccessible location near a high traffic area.The centers canbe sponsored by the local government as a method ofreducing waste that must be landfilled or they may serve asa fund raiser for churches, Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs and othernonprofit groups.

Garbage and recyclables are mixed and separationtakes places at a central site. The separation is made inone or two ways:• Workers at a conveyer belt manually separate cans, bottles,

jars and plastics from the household garbage.• Semi-automated separation which uses conveyer screens

and sophisticated magnets to separate the materials.

The question is when there is a large volume of materialscollected from recycling programs in New Mexico, willthere be a market for materials with a high degree ofcontamination? The cost to operate a central site may bemore expensive to citizens than curbside collection wherethe citizen separates the recyclables for pick-up.

Buy back centers purchase aluminum, other metals,glass, plastic, newsprint and sometimes batteries and othermaterials. Citizens voluntarily transport these materials tothe site. The centers sort and compact the materials and thensell them to manufacturers for processing. In many casesthe centers work closely with local firms such as bars andrestaurants to set up procedures for collecting large vol-umes of recyclable materials.

A GUIDE TO RECYCLING

Recycling is considered a product of the environmentalmovement of the 1970s, when the public became aware ofthe limitations of our natural resources. Beyond being aneffective waste management tool, recycling can be animportant element in our nation’s economy. Recyclingoffers a perfect relationship between protecting our envi-ronment and enhancing our economy.

What Can I Recycle?

Paper. Many communities have been recycling news-papers for years so there are existing established markets.Paper constitutes about 40% of the volume of residentialwaste and is one of the most important items for a commu-nity to recycle in order to cut down on disposal costs andsave landfill space. Although most waste paper goes topaper mills, other industries use it for cereal boxes, insula-tion materials, cushioning materials for packing and ship-

Guide G-314 • Page 7

ping, and building materials such as fiberboard. The maindrawbacks are the fluctuation of market prices and thesludge that must be disposed of after the ink is removed. Anincreasing number of states are requiring their governmentoffices to purchase recycled paper. In a Gallup Poll, eightout of 10 consumers would like the products they buy to bepackaged in recycled paper board. Types of paper that canbe recycled to save landfill space include:

Newspaper. Stack newspaper in manageable bundlesand tie both ways with twine; or stack inside grocery bags.Do not include junk mail, telephone books or magazines.Keep the paper clean and dry.

Corrugated cardboard. Consists of two layers of heavycardboard with a ribbed section between them. It is com-monly used for heavy duty cartons. Boxes can be flattenedand bundled.

High-grade paper. High grade paper or ledger includetyping, notebook, ditto, mimeo, photocopy and writingpaper. White paper must be separated from colored paperand boxed or bagged.

Paper with residues; carbon papers; cellophane; self-stick adhesive; wax, plastic or foil coatings cannot berecycled. Slick paper magazines cannot be recycled in mostcases.

Aluminum. More than 90% of all the beer and soft drinkcans are made of aluminum. Aluminum cans are moldedwithout side seams and are nonmagnetic. To recycle, rinseand box or bag. Crushing is not necessary, but saves space.Aluminum foil, pie pans, TV dinner trays and lawn furni-ture are also recyclable. Beverage containers with onlyaluminum tops or bottoms cannot be mixed with purealuminum. Twenty aluminum cans can be made using thesame energy it takes to produce one can from virgin ore.This represents a 95% savings of energy.

Steel (tin) cans. Steel cans, commonly called tin cansare typically food cans. Food cans make up 37.3% of totalcan production. These are generally steel or tin-coated steeland can be recycled. They are magnetic and have sideseams. To recycle, rinse, remove the label, remove bothends and flatten. The market for tin cans fluctuates. Re-cycled tin is especially sought after in the U.S. since raw tincan only be obtained from foreign countries.

Glass. Glass containers make up 20-40% of municipalwaste glass and are the easiest for recycling centers tocollect and handle. All kinds of glass containers-heavy orlight, whole or broken-can be recycled and reused anindefinite number of times. Glass is 100% recyclable, thereare no waste or bi-products. Clear, green and brown glass

are collected in many recycling programs. Broken glass isaccepted as long as it is color separated. Paper labels can beleft on the glass, but aluminum neck rings and caps can bea problem depending on the recycling equipment beingused. Cullet, or crushed glass, can be used to make newbottles, jars and other containers. Some other uses for culletare glassphalt. (a road paving material), building panels,and terrazzo. While resale value is low, markets are rela-tively stable.

Recycling centers will not accept light bulbs, ceramicglass, dishes or plate glass because these items consist ofdifferent materials than bottles and jars.

Plastic. Two plastics dominate the market: PET (poly-ethylene terephthalate) is the primary plastic for sodabottles and HDPE (high density polyethylene) is the usualcomponent of milk jugs. Many containers made of plasticare actually made of multiple layers of different plastics,each one contributing a specific quality (such as flexibilityor transparency) to the final product. These are extremelydifficult to recycle.

A coding system significantly aids efforts to recycleplastics. By weight, plastics constitute about 8% of thewaste system; by volume about 30%. The plastic recyclingindustry is growing with a variety of products being manu-factured, including lumber, machine parts, household itemssuch as pans, flower pots, fiberfill and carpet.

Motor oil. Motor oil never wears out, it only gets dirty.Drain car, motor cycle, or lawn mower oil into a containerwith a sealable lid. Some garages, service stations and somelarge retailers with auto shops accept used oil. Once impu-rities are removed, used oil can be marketed as re-refinedoil or industrial fuel oil.

Organic waste. Grass clippings, leaves and smallbranches can be recycled or managed at home. Using thesevaluable materials can save the homeowners energy andserve as a plus in a yard maintenance program. Old Christ-mas trees can be recycled, chipped into mulch and used on

Guide G-314 • Page 8

the grounds. They can also be used in arroyos and alongstreams and rivers as protective barriers against the damag-ing effect of wind and water erosion. Contact your CountyExtension office for more publications on managing yardwaste.

Scrap metals. Aluminum lawn furniture, windows,and door frames as well as brass, lead, steel, cast iron,nickel and fixtures and machinery parts can all berecycled. Broken appliances, copper tubing and old carbatteries can also be recycled.

RESOURCES

How to Coordinate a Glass Recycling Program, SoutheastGlass Recycling Program, Clearwater, FL, 1987 AnnualReport, Rhode Island Solid-Waste Management Corpora-tion, Providence, RI.

If You’re Not Recycling, You’re Throwing It All AwayThe Environmental Defense Fund, 257 Park AvenueSouth, NY 10010.

Recycling at Home, Florida Business and Industry Recy-cling Program, Winter Park, FL.

Recycling Study Guide, Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources, January, 1988.

The Solid Waste Dilemma: An Agenda for Action, FinalReport of the Municipal Solid Waste Task Force, Office ofSolid Waste, U.S. EPA, February, 1989.

http://www.epa.gov/wastewise/PreservingResources, Preventing Waste, 2002.

*Adapted for use in New Mexico by Susan Wright. Adaptedfrom Florida State University Extension publication HE3157 by Marie Hammer, Extension home environmentspecialist, and Jonathan Earle, Extension waste manage-ment specialist, both of The University of Florida,Gainesville. Used with permission.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department ofAgriculture cooperating.

Revised November 2002 Las Cruces, NM 3C

Become an Environmental Shopper,Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc., Media, PA.