How To Reuse More And Waste Less

Many products and single-use packaging are designed to be used for a short time-sometimes only once- and discarded, which can have negative impacts on the environment and our communities. The good news is that you can prevent these negative impacts by choosing options where products, packaging, and other materials can be reused. Reuse is an important way to conserve natural resources, create resilient communities, and reduce the waste we generate, and there are many ways to reuse in our daily lives. New Yorkers can have a direct impact on protecting the environment and our communities now and into the future, by choosing to reuse.

The Benefits of Reuse

The saying "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is a useful tool to help remember which options are the most environmentally preferable. Reuse sits at the top of this waste hierarchy as one of the best options for sustainable materials management. Reuse can have many benefits for our communities, the environment, and even our wallets such as:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change
  • Conserving water and other natural resources
  • Stopping waste before it starts

Preventing litter and plastic pollution in the environment

  • Cost savings
  • Job creation through building the reuse economy

Different Types of Reuse

  • Refilling and returning product containers
  • Using durable products over disposable where possible
  • Donating and buying secondhand items and materials
  • Sharing, lending, and renting items
  • Salvage of valuable materials for reuse in new projects

Actions You Can Take

At Home

  • Swap single-use for reuse where you can in each room

On the Go

  • Skip the stuff - when ordering prepared food and beverages, let food service staff know if you do not need disposable utensils, condiment packets, straws, etc. before ordering
  • Prepare a kit of reusable utensils, travel mug and water bottle for on-the-go

In Your Community

  • Support business and products that encourage reuse
  • Support second hand markets- buy second hand and sell or donate used goods and materials
  • Utilize or start lending libraries or tool libraries in your community
  • Learn about local swap shops and reuse centers
  • Find reuse opportunities with the Recycle Right NY Reuse Locator Tool (leaves DEC's website)

For Questions or More Information

We'd like to include your ideas in future publications. Write to:

NYSDEC
Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-7253
(518) 402-8704


Contact for this Page

DMM, Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

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