Waste reduction tips for apartments/condominiums

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Waste reduction is an effort to decrease the amount of waste generated. The best way to reduce waste is not to create it in the first place. If waste is prevented, there is no need or cost for collection, processing, and disposal. Reducing waste is important because doing so conserves valuable natural resources and protects the environment, benefiting us, our children, and future generations. Waste reduction is the preferred method of solid waste management and goes a long way toward protecting the environment. It is also important to reuse and recycle whenever possible. The three R’s of managing solid waste (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) all play a role in helping you save money while protecting the environment.

It’s Easy to Reduce Waste in Your Apartment or Condominium! Montgomery County residents and businesses generated over 900,000 tons of waste last year. You can help to reduce the amount of waste generated in Montgomery County by reusing and recycling certain items around your apartment or condominium. Perhaps the most important step to reducing waste is being a thoughtful consumer. Before purchasing an item at the store, consider if the item can be reused or if there is a less wasteful alternative. Purchasing greener options for your apartment or condominium can really make a difference and help the environment. It is also important to reuse items whenever possible. In this brochure, you will find some simple ways for both residents, property managers, and staff to reduce the amount of waste generated at apartments and condominiums.

Shopping Tips

• Buy in bulk or concentrated forms such as detergent and liquid soap to reduce packaging
• Avoid individually wrapped products
• Use water filters and refillable pitchers instead of bottled water
• Use reusable shopping bags. Plastic bags can be recycled at most grocery stores. Paper bags can be recycled with mixed paper.
• Buy durable and reusable products instead of disposable items
• Choose rechargeable batteries instead of single-use batteries. Keep all types of batteries at of the trash to reduce the risk for trash fires.

Tips for Kitchen Waste

• Use reusable containers
• Use refillable pitchers instead of buying Individual bottled water or beverages
• Pack lunch in a reusable or insulated bag
• Store food in reusable containers that can be washed and reused
• Use cloth napkins and hand towels instead of disposable paper products
• Dine with silverware and reusable utensils

Reduce paper waste

• Post notices in common areas or on a website, or send emails instead of distributing printed copies
• Use external hard drives and flash drives to reduce printing and filing paper copies
• Use file sharing systems to transfer and share information
• Use electronic forms for resident information and rental paperwork
• Purchase office and cleaning supplies in bulk to reduce packaging