At CalRecycle, we champion recycling, composting, and returning CRV-eligible containers for good reason – they’re vital for keeping materials out of landfills. But the full potential of a circular economy emerges when it’s approached more holistically, considering every item’s journey from purchase to end of life.

Every decision can make a big difference in a future with less waste, more resources, and cleaner land, air, and water.

 Here are a few ways to reduce waste meaningfully:

  • Think before you buy. Choose durable items over single-use.
  • Give items a second life. Repair what’s broken or creatively repurpose it.
  • Help food scraps do more than rot. Don’t landfill food scraps, put them in the green bin to be composted into nutrient-rich soil (check your local requirements for what’s accepted).
  • Recycle with intention by knowing local rules about what goes in the blue bin.
  • Get cash back for CRV eligible beverage containers at a local recycling site.

Get started with small steps today and learn why it’s important to Think Beyond the Bin.