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The future of waste management in Durham Region includes a Circular Economy.
This means we need to rethink the traditional 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and consider the value of materials and products we purchase before they become waste.
In a perfect circular economy, nothing is waste. The circular economy retains and recovers as much value as possible from resources by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing or repurposing products and materials before they are recycled or thrown out.
It’s about using valuable resources wisely, thinking about waste as a resource instead of a cost, and finding innovative ways to better the environment and the economy.
The objective is about using our limited and valuable resources wisely: thinking about what will happen to a product before we buy it; waste as a resource instead of a cost; and finding innovative ways to improve the environment and the economy.
Circular Economy
Watch our video and learn how waste management in Durham Region includes a circular economy.
How can you reduce and reuse your waste?
Avoid single-use items when you can
Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle at home to take with you while you're on the go.
Ditch the plastic wrap, small plastic bags, and aluminum foil when possible. Instead, opt for reusable food containers, washable fabric pouches, and reusable food wraps.
Keep a reusable straw (or forgo the straw altogether) and a set of reusable cutlery in your bag for your takeout meals.
Avoid items that come in single serving packages such as juice pouches, yogurt tubes or coffee pods.
Bring your reusable grocery and produce bags when shopping. To further reduce single-use plastics and emissions from transportation buy products directly from local farmer’s market.
Reduce plastic packaging. Buy loose fruits and vegetables or use reusable bags.
Learn about reuse options available for diapers.
Choose a toothbrush with a replaceable head to avoid having to throw out the handle each time you need a new one.
Invest in a reusable metal razor with a replaceable head.
Swap your facial wipes for a reusable washcloth.
Buy hair-care products and soaps in economy sizes and decant them to smaller, reusable containers when needed. (The same goes for laundry detergent and cleaning products. Also, look for options sold in concentrate.)
Substitute your dryer sheets with wool dryer balls.
Stock up on washable towels and cloth napkins instead of paper towels and napkins.
Use what you have, borrow what you don't
Make your own cleaning products using common household ingredients. This eliminates excess packaging, is less harmful to the environment and can save you money.
Repair items, when possible, instead of throwing them away.
The library provides many resources to learn how to repair a range of items.
iFixit is a wiki-based site that teaches people how to fix almost anything.
Rent or borrow items you rarely use.
Make available to others what you no longer need
Participate in the second-hand economy by buying and selling used items. Always take appropriate precautions when conducting transactions. Post items that are in good condition in a local buy and sell group.
Think about your purchases. Do you need it? Can you buy it with less packaging? Consider buying local, second- hand or items made from recycled materials.
Purchase products that are made to last. That way you won’t have to replace them as frequently.
Stores are increasingly offering the option to bring in your containers to refill household items.
Reduce food waste
Practice proper meal planning to buy only what you need.
Eat what you buy.
Proper food storage means less waste.
Get creative with leftovers.
Compost what's left or put it in the green bin.
The above resources were compiled by region staff to provide helpful information to Region of Durham residents. Linked resources are not affiliated with the Region of Durham.
