We provide education and engagement opportunities, including web and print resources, community events and presentations, advertising, technical assistance and more! Our goal is to empower Deschutes County residents, visitors, and businesses to prevent waste and then recover as much as possible through individual behavior changes as well as systems changes.
Do you have an idea for reducing waste in your neighborhood, workplace, school, your favorite park or restaurant, or other community space, but aren’t sure how to get started? Apply for the Rethink Waste Community Innovation Fund!
Rethink Waste will be hosting information sessions on Feb. 7th, May 9th, and Aug. 8th, from 1-2pm to answer questions prior to each quarter’s application deadline.
Planning a gathering, meeting, or event for your family or community group? We can help you make it sustainable!
The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Program (RWP) offers durable dishware kits in an effort to encourage the community to make the switch from disposables to reusables. Check out the link below to request reusable dishware kits for FREE!
Interested in scheduling a free Rethink Waste presentation or training about waste prevention including food waste reduction, recycling right, best reduce practices for your workplace, current events, or more? Virtual presentations are available! Please contact for more information.
The Rethink Waste Project provides the tools and resources you need to help you reduce waste – and rethink the way you think about waste. From learning easy ways to reduce waste at home, such as composting and simple non-toxic alternatives, to paying attention to your purchasing habits and understanding what it means to buy local, we can all take steps towards the same goal: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink.
Welcome, Kavi! We are excited to have Kavi Chokshi, pronounced kuh-vee, like a covey of quails, (he/him) join The Environmental Center as the very first Program Coordinator for the Rethink Waste Project. Kavi will be working part-time in that role, while also working on starting Kavi’s Chai. Previously, Kavi worked for Central Oregon LandWatch, and comes with […]
Read MoreIn 2013, we hosted the first Repair Cafés here in Central Oregon. Have you ever been to one of our Repair Cafés? Repair Cafés are held all around the world, and connect people with broken stuff to people who like to fix stuff. Repairing with other people saves natural resources, prevents waste, and cultivates community. […]
Read More