Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority

Begin by examining the wastes your organization generates and where those wastes come from. Then identify ways to improve efficiency and eliminate waste. The ideas below can help you decide what waste prevention practices to adopt.

• Buy products that are reusable, durable, concentrated, high quality and repairable. Establish purchasing guidelines in these regards.

• Use remanufactured fax and printer toner cartridges.

• Make double-sided copies when possible. 

• Reuse envelopes and use two-way envelopes.

• Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable containers.

• Reuse packing materials (foam peanuts, bubble wrap and cardboard boxes) or find someone who can, such as your local packaging store.

• Use voice or electronic mail or post memos on a central bulletin board.

• Make scratch pads from used paper. 

• Proof documents on screen before printing.

• Copy drafts on paper already printed on one side.

• Donate old magazines or journals to hospitals, clinics, or libraries.

• Keep mailing lists current/one copy per address.

• Reduce advertising mail by writing to: Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008. Send the various versions of your name and ask that they be removed from mailing lists.

• Rent instead of buying equipment that is used only occasionally.

• Sell or give old furniture and equipment to employees or donate it to a local charity. Order your free copy of the Contra Costa County Reuse Guide through Free Resources.

• Use retreaded tires on company vehicles. Rotate tires on a regular basis to prolong tire life. Keep tires properly inflated.

• Replace incandescent with fluorescent lights.

• Use compost as a topsoil amendment or request that your landscaper use it.

• Compost leaves or Grasscycle grass clippings or ask your landscaper to send trimmings to a composting facility such as the Walnut Creek Recycling Center.

• Use durable towels, tablecloths, napkins, dishes, flatware, cups and glasses. 

• Encourage employees to bring their own mugs and utensils. Ask food vendors to offer discounts on beverages served in a customer’s own mug.

• Provide condiments in bulk dispensers.

• Purchase a worm bin for your office to convert food wastes (banana peels, coffee grounds) into high quality potting soil (vermicompost).

• Buy reusable coffee filters or unbleached disposable filters.

• Offer customers a rebate when they reuse grocery bags, containers, mugs, and cups.

• Encourage customers to return reusable items (metal hangers to dry cleaners, etc.)

• Teach your customers about the importance of waste prevention.