Reduce and Reuse

The most effective way to manage our waste is to not create it in the first place. The act of reducing and reusing means consuming more responsibly and putting fewer materials in our trash, recycling, and compost carts.

Many of us know the “three Rs” – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – but their order is intentional. Reducing our consumption of materials and resources is one of the most environmentally responsible things we can do. When that’s not possible, we can reuse items we already have, like a reusable water bottle or grocery bag, or buying used items.  

• To keep our community clean and beautiful
• To conserve energy and natural resources
• To extend the life of the landfill
• To save money

We can all make changes to reduce the amount of waste we create every day.  Whether you are new to reducing and reusing or you’re a low waste enthusiast, we have ideas that will inspire you to keep going on your waste reduction journey. 

The questions below will help you reduce your waste and support the local reuse economy. 

When you are done with an item, consider asking yourself the following: 

• Can I repair it? –  Repairing what you already own can save money and valuable resources. One way to give broken items a second life is by bringing them to the free Repair Café Boise events cohosted by the City of Boise and JUMP. Volunteer fixers help repair broken household items and share their skills. You can also learn how to fix items yourself using repair guides on the ifixit website. 

• Can I donate it or give it away? –  Contact local charities to see if they will accept items you no longer need. Remember, only donate items in working order and in a condition you’d be willing to buy used. 

• Can I sell it? – Offer items for free or for sale online. 

When you need or want a new item, consider doing the following: 

• Can you borrow or rent it? – Ask your friends or family about borrowing an item. You can also lend many things from Boise libraries other than books – just use your library card! Renting things that you don’t foresee using on a regular basis is another good system of reuse and can be less expensive than purchasing and maintaining them. 

• Can you buy it used? – Support the local reuse economy by purchasing used items from online reuse resources or local thrift stores. 

• Or do you even need it? – Avoid impulse buying by shopping with a plan in mind, sticking to your budget, or simply waiting a day or two before deciding to purchase something new (you may think of an alternative you already own or realize you don't actually need it). 

Here are some ways you can reduce certain types of waste:  

Local nonprofit Zero Waste Boise Institute has created a Reuse to Reduce Directory where you can search for re-circulation outlets throughout the Treasure Valley that help keep material goods out of the landfill.

Note: The City of Boise provides this directory as a public service only and does not endorse, certify, or recommend any businesses or contractors in the directory. This directory is not necessarily comprehensive; the City of Boise has not verified companies’ information, qualifications, experience, or contact information, and makes no claims regarding a business’s qualification, experience, or abilities. This directory may be periodically updated with new businesses or accepted material types. You can contact Zero Waste Boise Institute at zwbi@centurylink.net to suggest edits or additions.

Sometimes it isn’t possible to be completely waste-free, so we have created Curb It Sorting Guide that tells you where items go. Whether it is in a recycling cart or compost cart, knowing where items belong will help keep extra waste out of the landfill.

Sorting Guide