Learn some tips and tricks for waste reduction

America Recycles Day, a national initiative founded to encourage communities to reduce waste and embrace recycling is on Saturday, Nov. 15. 

Here are some tips and resources from the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.

Empty bottles, cans, jugs, paper and cardboard, greasy pizza boxes included, can all be recycled to be transformed into new products rather than take up landfill space. Use the Recyclopedia at RecycleSmartMA.org to find out what items can be recycled.

There are several ways to reduce food waste. These include eating leftovers, meal planning, properly storing leftovers and freezing food. 

Low-cost compost bins are also available year-round at the Crapo Hill Landfill to compost fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells and yard waste. Alternatively, Black Earth Compost has weekly or every other week curbside pickup available for a fee.

Unpackaged food waste, as well as bones and seafood shells, can also be dropped off at transfer stations and recycling centers.

There are also many options for clothing, shoes and linens that are no longer wanted, including home pickup, clothing bins, thrift stores and GiftstoGive. The Big Brother Big Sister Foundation offers free home pickups and accepts gently used clothing, sheets, towels, shoes, small household items, bikes and musical instruments. Call 508-466-4590 to schedule a pickup.

View this map to find clothing bin drop off locations around town.

Dartmouth residents can also drop off items at the Dartmouth Transfer Station with a transfer station sticker. The station accepts items such as clean white boat wrap, hardcover and paperback books, glass bottles, metal food and beverage cans, TVs and computer monitors. For a full list, click here.

For more information, visit gnbrrmdistrict.org, email marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org, call 508-979-1493 or text 774-503-0254.