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.  When that can't be done, Downcycling is often the last alternative before the landfill, like grinding and pressing plastic into another product which will not be further recycled.

Recycling Clothes? Check It Out! 

This is a great blog post about recycling when it comes to clothes.
Give it a read, it has some helpful information that can empower you to find ways not to throw out old clothes.
https://www.lulus.com/blog/resources/selling-donating-and-recycling-old-clothing/
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).

Freecycle...
​
 #Freecycle: Where unwanted stuff finds a new home.
  • Got stuff you really don't need or want? But it's still decent? Clothes, trinkets & toys, household items, musical instruments? Move it on to someone who can use it! 
  • Looking for household, clothing items, or a gift? Come to a Freecycle event to see what has come in and help yourself!
  • sign up at freecycle.org (always free stuff).  Another possibility is to look for heartland swap on facebook, but those things are usually for a price. e.g. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeartlandCommunitySwap/ 
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. 

Repurposed Materials Inc - check out this website just for more wacky ideas!

Recycle...

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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.

​Click here for more recycling ideas.