Waste Reduction includes Reject (don't buy it in the first place); Reduce (buy less, buy in bulk); Re-use (esp. containers); Repair (find a needle and thread); Upcycle (turn it into something else); and ... finally ... Recycle.
Reject ... how many copies of the yellow pages do you need?  Follow link to opt out!  Don't let them pile up on the street!

And while you're at it ...
Re-use
Support your local thrift shop that likewise supports folks like you when in need. They are at 215 North Illinois Avenue (see map).
Reduce ... You do not need to buy that much bottled water!
 Drink locally! Follow link for more!
Repair and Upcycle
If you don't know how, go to the SIU Craft Shop and learn how!
They offer classes on all kinds of things and have that
 "Don't throw that away!!!"
 mindset. 

Freecycle
Next Freecycle is August 23-25
Wed & Thurs, 3 - 8 PM; Friday, 12 - 4 PM
 #Freecycle: Where unwanted stuff finds a new home.

Recycling

Picture
Recycling promotion is one of Keep Carbondale Beautiful's primary purposes, along with litter control and beautification.  Increased recycling translates into more efficient use of resources and also reduces litter and therefore enhances the beautification of the city.  Keep Carbondale Beautiful seeks to educate the public on the environmental and economic benefits of recycling and to initiate more participation through efforts such as the Spring Clean-up and Recycling Day. 

Click here for details on local recycling locations.

Click here to see what SIUC is recycling.

Where can I take this?
Burris page on recycling 
Beyond recycling ... to zero waste and more


Some more fun links:

Latest from JCHD on Electronics Recycling!  http://jchdonline.org/images/jchd_data/env-health/PSA_FLYER_ELEC16.pdf
The water cycle link will take you to a beginners version, but you can click on intermediate and advanced.  From US Geological Survey
Cool news:
Promote Recycling at High-Rises
One high-rise condo ... uses recycling as a selling point. Knowing that the buyers it sought were very supportive of recycling and environmentally friendly initiatives, the management company proudly included its comprehensive building recycling plan in its sales materials. A visible commitment by building managers to recycling and source reduction--through signs and services--has helped give the entire building a strong community feeling.
-- from Keep Chicago Beautiful  http://www.kcb.org/kcb_three_rs.html