As our solid waste (trash) rots in our landfills, it creates Methane – a potent greenhouse gas with high global warming potential. The fundamental source of solid waste comes from our own homes. For the average household, this includes kitchen and food waste, packaging, clothing, construction/demolition and yard waste. Of these, the largest contributor is packing, boxes, wrappings, ties/straps, Styrofoam and bottles, etc.

REDUCE - To help our environment, buy products in larger quantities with less packaging, start composting, and buy products (such as coffee filters, paper plates, etc.) that degrade faster in our landfills. Buy better quality products that will last longer and warrant repair if they do malfunction.

REUSE – According to the EPA, 40% of the lead in landfills is from discarded electrical and electronic equipment. This E-waste includes personal computers, monitors, televisions, keyboards, printers, telephones, typewriters, calculators, copiers, fax machines and audio equipment. Instead of trashing your old stuff, why not donate it? If it doesn’t work anymore, click here to find out what the State recommends. Reuse can be achieved by donating old clothes, or using them for rags around the house. Make your own household cleaner to reuse that old window cleaner sprayer.

RECYCLE – Unfortunately, waste is inevitable - empty soda cans, old newspapers, glass bottles and jars - simply because some things are truly meant for only one time usage. However, if we will RECYCLE some of these items, they can be reprocessed into useful items again. That would mean less waste making it to the landfills every year. For most of us, recycling is a free service offered by the City. Click here to see what can be recycled by curbside pickup, recycling drop off points, and yard waste recycling.

For recycling do’s and don’ts click here.

For a list of recycling centers in the Memphis area click here.