Waste Prevention Resources & Zero Waste Tips

What is Zero Waste?

Arcata is striving to achieve zero waste. Zero waste is a materials management approach that first prevents waste and then establishes policies, programs, and infrastructure for the reuse and recycling of all materials entering the community. The goal is to ensure that nothing is sent to a landfill or incinerator by ensuring that resources we take from the earth continue to be used efficiently without waste and excess burden on the environment. After you have done all you can to prevent waste and then reuse, download the materials management guide for City of Arcata residents to help responsibly manage your remaining waste. 

What can I do to help?

  1. Prevent waste in your home and at your work.
  2. Recycle and compost, and donate whenever possible.
  3. Handle hazardous & special materials with care.

How do we get to Zero Waste? 

The Arcata City Council adopted a Zero Waste Action Plan written by Zero Waste Humboldt with input from Arcata citizens and businesses. The 10-year Plan identifies various waste prevention, reuse and recycling practices Arcata citizens can use to get as close as possible to zero waste.

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The Zero Waste Action Plan outlines 8 implementation goals to help guide Arcata towards zero waste. The City of Arcata is currently striving for zero waste by fostering the following goals:

  1. Zero Waste public education will create behavioral change and a citywide Zero Waste culture.
  2. City operations and policies will integrate zero-waste strategies.
  3. Waste prevention is Arcata's top priority for sustainable materials management.
  4. Materials reuse is Arcata's second priority for zero waste strategies.
  5. Recycling drop-off and collection options are fully used by residents and businesses.
  6. Increase effective and efficient food and organics waste prevention and reuse options.
  7. Reduce construction and demolition waste and promote reuse of materials.
  8. Zero-waste and recycling market development is an integral component of local economic development.
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  1. Reduce
  2. Reuse
  3. Donate

Preventing waste, or source reduction, is the first step towards a waste-conscious lifestyle. Recycling and composting manage waste after it is generated, but waste prevention reduces the amount of materials generated in the first place. Waste prevention means taking advantage of reuse, donation and other reduction opportunities to get the most environmental and economic benefits possible. The first step to achieving zero waste is to look at your current consumption habits and reduce them as much as possible. By purchasing only what you need, you are able to eliminate unnecessary waste from being generated. Click here for food waste prevention tips!

Try this waste prevention thought process:

  1. Identify where most of your waste comes from.
    1. How much of my trash is food waste? 
    2. How much is office/school related?
    3. Am I throwing away single-use items that have a reusable alternative?
  2. Avoid buying new things. Reuse, repair, and repurpose what you already have at home.
    1. Do I need this or just want it? 
    2. Do I already own something similar? 
    3. Can I repair my old one?
  3. Borrow or share with friends, family, and neighbors.
    1. How often would I use this? 
    2. Do I know someone who has what I need?
    3. Could I share what I have with the people I know?
  4. Buy second-hand and donate unwanted items.
    1. Do I need a brand new one or would a thrift store have one?
    2. Even though I don’t want this, could someone else use it?
  5. Choose reusable, recyclable or compostable products.
    1. Does the company that makes the product have green values and practice sustainability?
    2. Is it built to last? 
    3. How will I dispose of any waste associated with this product?
  6. Buy for your household. Buy in bulk or buy to finish.
    1. Buying to finish reduces food waste and saves money.
    2. Buying in bulk reduces individual packaging and trips to the store.
      1. Do not buy more than you need or will use. Donate any extra items or food.