Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

What's the best way to deal with waste?
The best way to manage waste is to avoid making it in the first place. For example, by reducing or eliminating product packaging, enormous amounts of raw materials would be available for other, more useful purposes and there would be significantly less garbage to deal with.

The next best way to deal with waste is to
REDUCE it, REUSE it and RECYCLE it.

Garbage is one of the biggest problems facing us all today. For most, the problem is invisible; the garbage goes in a bag, is left at the curb and disappears every week.

Unfortunately, the contents don't just disappear. Even smaller sized communities like Dawson Creek are experiencing challenges dealing with garbage and the polluting by-products of our waste. Canada produces so much garbage we export it to the US.

Believe it or not, a family of 4 or 5 can reduce their garbage to less than one green garbage bag per month!

Simple ways to reduce your garbage:

• Compost
• Choose products with minimal packaging.
• Recycle everything that can be recycled. The Waste Reduction Directory (511KB) contains all the information you need to set up your home recycling program.
• Reuse whenever possible. This can become a very creative pursuit.
• Reduce the amount you buy. Your purchase today may end up in the landfill sooner than you think.

For more information, ideas and suggestions, visit these websites devoted to the Three Rs:

Peace River Regional District's Waste Reduction Office

Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT)

California Integrated Waste Management Board