Zero waste simply means reducing the amount of waste one creates and encourages reducing, reusing, recycling and upcycling products and resources whenever possible. It also means decreasing the amount fo waste sent to landfills or winding up in other areas waste shouldn't be (like the ocean or the streets).
Composting:
Composting is a great way to maintain beautiful gardens and minimize the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Read more about the benefits of composting and how to compost at home here.
There is also a service called the Composting Crew that picks up composting scraps right from your front door.
Another service is Veteran Compost. This organization is veteran-owned and also provides residential compost collection and other products.
zero waste
Reducing / Reusing:
Below is a list of organizations that can help you work toward zero waste! These are organizations that accept donations or where you can buy donated items!
1. Community Forklift - Secondhand store that sells a variety of furniture, building materials, etc.
2. GoodWill(s) - Donation center that takes many types of donations (clothes, furniture, toys, etc.)
3. Wider Circle - Provides basic need items and essentials to those transitioning from homelessness, abusive situations, etc.
4. Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Receives donations of building materials, appliances, furniture etc. from companies and individuals at discounted prices
5. Waste Reduction - Montgomery County - Provides tips on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle
6. Textile Recycling and Donations!!!! -Montgomery County - Accepts textile recycling and donations. Highly recommend!
7. Donation Town Pickups (clothing and other household items - Picks up a variety of donations from your front door for free
Images: Recycling Yard Trimmings, Mixed Paper Guide
Images: Recycling Basics, Dual Stream Recycling, and Montgomery County Transfer Station Accepted Items
Recycling Guides:
Pictured below are recycling guidelines and resources for Montgomery County. Click on the arrows to look at the images!