How to Reduce Solid Waste

by Donny Piers Freelance journalist

Solid waste are items we use each day and then dispose of by throwing them into the garbage. By reducing your solid waste, you reduce the amount of trash that goes into our landfills. The methods used for reducing waste are known as the three R's – reduce, reuse and recycle. Follow the tips below and you will be able to reduce the solid waste you throw away significantly.

solid waste

Steps

Buy products in bulk. Bulked products usually use less packaging than singular items do. Also, by shopping in bulk, you will reduce the shop visitations to minimum.
Avoid purchasing items that are packaged. Go for products that use a minimal amount of packaging or no packaging at all. For instance, fruits from a bin, or meat from a meat stand.
Buy items, which packaging can be recycled. Many products on the market now are provided in recyclable packagings. By purchasing such items and recycling the packaging later on, you help the environment.
Purchase items made of recycled products whenever possible. Most things made of recycled products have label indicating that fact.
Recycle. More than 80% of the trash people toss out can be recycled. Put everything that could be recycled aside of your garbage, into recycle bins or bags. This includes paper, plastic, cans and glass. Once in a week, drive these items to your local recycling centre to get rid of them. Alternatively, you could call a rubbish removal London company. The good of these companies is that they will sort through your trash instead of you, saving you time and effort.
Make compost from your food waste. Everything that is biodegradable can be composted, including cardboards and newspapers. Place your biodegradable waste mixed with some dirt and soil into a compost bin, and let the nature do its work. Use the compost to fertilize the soil in your garden.
Take cloth bags with yourself when going to the grocery store or market. Use these bags each time you shop. They can be used multiple times unlike plastic or paper bags.
Donate, give away or sell items your don't want. Your trash could be a treasure to someone else, keep that in mind before throwing something away next time.
Reuse. See if the item you are about to dispose of can be reused. For instance, plastic containers can be washed and reused, so don't hurry to get rid of them.
Reuse for a different purpose. If an item serves no more the purpose they are meant for, consider reusing it for something else. For example, a metal can can be used as a pencil holder as well.
Return the packaging to the store. Some packagings, such as soft drink bottles, offer a deposit for returning to the store. Other, such as computer ink cartridges, can be refilled when returned. So, before you throw away something, make sure it doesn't offer benefits for returning it.
Repair broken items, or have them repaired. If you are unable, or can't afford a repair, consider giving the item to someone who might be interested in fixing and using it rather than throwing it away.
Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable. This will save you money in the long run, and will keep these items away of landfills.
Get other people involved in reducing waste. Talk to friends and family members about the benefits of reducing solid waste. Teach them how they can reduce their garbage , and how this helps the environment. The more people are involved, the easier we will keep the environment clean and healthy.