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Our discards have more options than simply a landfill or incineration. In fact, there are many businesses who are working to divert our waste to find value in our rubbish.

Refusing

One of the simplest ways to reduce our waste stream is the fourth ‘R’: Refuse!

Refuse is saying no.

 No, I don’t need that free promotional pen.
 No, I don’t need a disposable straw at the
restaurant, because I’m a grown-up and can drink
out of a cup without spilling.
 No, I don’t need a plastic bag for my groceries
because I’ve brought my own bags.
 No, I will not eat at that restaurant because they
serve food on Styrofoam.
 No, I will not buy paper towels that are not made
from 100% recycled post-consumer paper.
 No, I won’t buy bottled water because I have my
own reusable water bottle.

Recycling

Recycling is the first thing people think of when they think of reducing our waste stream, and it is an important part. But it does have rules to insure the recyclable material can be returned to a raw material and then be used in something new.

Most important – No Plastic Bags! Even
placing your recyclable cans or bottles in a plastic bag before putting them in the recycling bin negates the whole effort. They gum up the sorting equipment, or cause the recyclers to discard the whole batch.

Composting
Composting is nature’s way of giving back to the earth what has been used to create and sustain life – the original recycling program.

For backyard composting, here is a place to start

For apartment/condo resident, here are some options

However, to capture the largest amount of organic material, our county needs industrial composting to divert the food waste from schools, restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores. These operate at higher temperatures than most at-home composters and can generate fertilizer that can be used by our agricultural community.

Industrial composting involves using large-scale, controlled processes to convert organic waste into compost. It utilizes methods like windrow, aerated static pile, and in-vessel composting, which offer efficient control over temperature, moisture, and aeration to accelerate decomposition. These methods are designed to handle large volumes of waste and produce compost quickly and reliably.

Here are the main steps for industrial composting:

1. Material Collection and Preparation – Compostable materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products, are collected and often pre-processed to remove contaminants and reduce particle size for better microbial activity.
2. Composting Methods:
   a. Windrow Composting – Organic waste is piled into long rows and turned regularly to aerate the pile and maintain optimal moisture and temperature.
   
   b. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) – Piles of organic waste are aerated using perforated pipes or fans, eliminating the need for manual turning.
   
   c. In-vessel Composting – Materials are placed in enclosed vessels (drums, silos, etc.) where temperature, moisture, and aeration are precisely controlled.
3. Temperature and Moisture Control – Industrial composting facilities maintain high temperatures (often above 120°F / 49°C) to promote decomposition and kill pathogens and weed seeds. Moisture levels are also carefully monitored to ensure optimal conditions for
   microbial activity.
4. Curing and Screening – Once the composting process is complete, the material is allowed to cure, which involves further cooling and stabilization. The finished compost is then screened to remove any remaining impurities or inorganic materials.
5. Packaging and Distribution – The finished compost is packaged and distributed for use in agriculture, landscaping, and other applications.
   
   Here is an animation of the process
   
   Here is an industrial composter in use in Phoenix.
   
   Repurposing
   
   Many of our discards can find a new purpose by using them for something new. It may be old containers, clothing, or pallets, but with some creativity you can save money and reduce your waste stream. Here are some ideas
   
   Reusing
   
   Many items can find a new life and a new home at a used goods store or a local flea market. It saves money and reduces our waste stream. Just because an item was sold for one-time use doesn’t mean that it has to be thrown away. Here are some ideas
   
   Repairing
   
   Our current lifestyle relies more and more on disposable products or products with planned obsolescence that discourage repairs. Durable goods are an important part of reducing our waste stream, and should be a main consideration when purchasing something.
   
   Repairing starts with a design that provides accessibility and uses standardized parts. YouTube has become a resource for so many repairs!