We could all do with less waste at home, from the practical positives of having less trash to the larger-reaching ecological impact of reducing our footprint at the local landfill. LeBoeuf Rubbish Removal has put together these practical tips for home waste reduction, all about small changes you can make at home and in your day-to-day life, coupled with exploring the local programs available in your community.

Reducing What Goes in the Garbage

The best way to start home waste reduction is to look at what makes it into your trash and what you can take out. This includes programs you’re currently using, like recycling, but also optional programs your city may be doing or you can do at home, like composting.

• Knowing What Can Go in Recycling: Knowing what can and cannot go in the recycling is the first step to reducing your trash. We’ve got a dedicated blog post, What Is Single-Stream Recycling?, and a downloadable guide to help.
• Options for Organic Waste Composting: Some communities in New England have curbside composting programs, and both Massachusetts and Connecticut have dedicated at-home composting resources, including access to low-cost compost bins.

Making Waste-Reducing Buying Decisions

Sometimes, the strongest impact can be before you get the products home. Making informed purchasing decisions in-store or online can reduce the amount of waste generated by packaging and more. Buying products in bulk to reduce the amount of empty containers, choosing products with simpler or more recyclable packaging, and bringing your own bags to the grocery store are all little choices that can add up. Also, make sure you’re properly placing waste into your bins and positioning carts to avoid spills when handled.

Dealing with Junk and Excess Waste

You may also have a build-up of garbage, junk, or other waste that’s too much for your trash or recycling to handle. If you’re working with an experienced hauler, they’ll have options for another pickup or cart in the short term, but other options include:

• Donations of Items: The best way to reduce total waste is to find new uses for items, especially bulky old electronics or furniture. Check your local community for donation programs or use apps like Buy Nothing to find those who want them.
• Junk Hauling Services: If the above option doesn’t work, you can also get junk hauling companies to take products that would be hard or impossible to put in the garbage. We also offer a similar service for current customers.
• Construction Materials: If you’ve got a big waste-generating project at home, such as a home remodel, you’ll want to rent the right-sized dumpster to avoid filling your garbage with waste—some of which is banned.

At LeBoeuf Rubbish Removal, we want to help all our customers get waste out of their homes, which includes offering tips like those above to assist them in renting dumpsters for big projects. Check out our blog for more topics on waste and recycling in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and check out our residential, commercial, or customer page for more information on services. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We are at your disposal.