Rethink Waste Guide and Website

The Environmental Center, in partnership with Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste, launched the Rethink Waste print guide and website, providing Deschutes County residents and businesses information and resources on how to reduce waste.

The 24 page printed guide features information on the following practices: waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, proper disposal and alternative to hazardous waste, electronic waste recycling, and information on waste reduction for businesses.  The guide will also have a glossary of common waste reduction terms. The print guide was inserted in The Bulletin on June 27.  Additional copies are available at a variety of locations.

The website, www.rethinkwasteguide.com features similar information, and additional resources for local waste reduction.  One key feature of the website is a database where users can search for places to reuse or recycle particular items, ranging from aluminum to yard waste.  The database will serve as a functional tool for Deschutes County residents to divert as much waste as possible from Knott Landfill.

Deschutes County has a strong track record with recycling and in 2009, we recycled and composted 883 pounds of waste per person – 45% of the total waste generated county-wide.  However, over time, we generate more waste each year.  Back in the 1980’s when recycling was just getting started in Oregon, a full recycling bin was the goal.  Today’s new “stretch goal” is not just a full recycling bin, but also an empty garbage can.  The most cost effective option for waste management in Deschutes County is by extending the life of Knott Landfill – by disposing less waste.

“We are excited to launch this project as it will be a practical, useful tool for residents and businesses.  While recycling is an important part of waste reduction, we should always be looking at additional ways to reduce our waste, such as reusing and composting.  This guide will not only provide information about recycling, but also about other ways to reduce waste at home, work and school.” says Katy Bryce, Sustainability Advocate for the Environmental Center and coordinator of this project.  “Waste reduction is an important component of sustainability, and our goal is to give people the resources they need to make a positive impact on our community and the environment.”