Prevent Waste in the First Place: Buying Recycled, Reducing Junk Mail, Composting, Reusing

What's in a Cycle?
Resources, energy, and saving the rainforest to name a few. Preventing waste means looking for ways to stop using what we'll have to throw away, like paper plates and plastic cups. Plus, there's a global impact to the decisions we make.

Consider This:

		Recycling newspapers and white paper reduces demand for tropical and temperate timber.
		Using re-refined motor oil saves production from known oil reserves (estimated to last 30 years at the rate we're using them!)
		Recycling glass into new glass cuts related air pollution by 20%.

So What's a Cycle Got To Do With This? Everything! We're the ones that close the loop. Buying products with recycled content and reduced packaging is a good start. As consumers, we "vote" with our dollars to let manufacturers know we value recycled products.
Look at the package for the three circular arrows. This means the product contains at least 10% post-consumer waste. Post-consumer means any material that has already been used and recycled. Now that's closing the loop!

Hey, What About Junk Mail?
Here's a way to stop waste before it starts. Avoid having your name sold or "rented" by specifically requesting that your name and address not be sold or traded to any other organization. This is effective when using mail order, renewing subscriptions and returning a warranty card.

Get a free Junk Mail Kit! Call 408-586-3352 (TDD 262-3081) and state your name and full address. The kit has postcards and labels to let marketers know you're not interested in future mailings.

What Else Reduces Waste?
There's nothing more effective than composting in your backyard. Composting grass, leaves, fruit and vegetables gives you nutrient-rich soil that limits weeds, protects soil, saves water and reduces waste going to the landfill.

The Santa Clara County Home Composting Education Program can help make it easy. These dedicated Master Composters volunteer to provide tips on choosing a bin, how to use worms, and harvest compost. Call 918-4640 for information about free workshops.

How Do I Get Rid of This?
It's true that your trash can be another's treasure. Call the Center for the Development of Recycling at 800-533-8414 to find someone that wants what you have. Then, drop it off.

Reusing furniture, appliances, clothing, and toys keeps these materials from the landfill. More importantly, charitable donations of materials in good condition helps people.

Now that you've tried to reuse or give away what you can, read the information about Household Dump Day.

School & Office Recycling: We're Recycling With You!

At School: The City of Milpitas/Milpitas Unified School District/BFI Recycling & Composting Project started in four elementary schools in September 1996. All nine elementary schools were on board by September 1999. This community partnership gives science teachers a curriculum with lesson plans, books, videos, compost bins and equipment, mini-grants, and milk carton recycling!

At the Office: Commercial recycling in Milpitas uses a convenient, mixed recyclables collection method that helps businesses cut disposal costs. If you work in Milpitas, call BFI at 432-1234 (TDD 800-690-6010) to find out how your company can get a solid waste audit and free deskside recycling bins!

Recycling Creates New Products
Resource recovery is the name of the recycling game! You've contributed to offsetting rising disposal costs, reducing our dependence on raw materials and saving energy.

Recycled	New Product
White paper	Fine writing paper
Office paper	Office paper & newsprint
Mixed office paper	Tissue & toilet paper
Old corrugated cardboard	New corrugated cardboard
HDPE, #2 Plastics	CD tapes, VCR tapes, sleeping bag fiber fill,
	jackets, carpet backing, fence posts,
	plastic pallets, outdoor furniture
PET, #1 Plastics	Clothing fibers, shampoo bottles
Newspaper	Newspaper
Glass	Glass
Aluminum cans	Aluminum cans
Bi-metal food cans	Bi-metal food cans
Wood	Decorative landscaping mulch
Yard Trimmings	Compost
Keep up the great work!	Save resources!

Get Free, Fun Stuff! And Contribute to a Healthy Environment
Learn about your recycling programs and preventing waste!
Call 408-586-3352 and say you browsed the City of Milpitas web page.
Leave your full name and address. Be sure to ask for specific information:

Milpitas Recycling Scene
Reusable News
Backyard Composting
Household Hazardous Wastes & Used Motor Oil Recycling
Holiday Ideas & Collection Schedules
Junk Mail Kit
Shopping Smart & Buying Recycled
Reuse Alternatives
Hey! How about: All of the above?