The simplest way to manage waste is not to create it in the first place. That's the idea behind waste reduction and reuse. Households, businesses, industries and governments can all make adjustments in everyday activities that result in less waste. We have several materials available in our library that describe ways to produce less waste. Some of the more popular are 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth, 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth, and the Tightwad Gazette series. One of the easiest things to do is pay attention to what you buy. Is there a lot of excess packaging? Is the container or the product reusable or recyclable? How much stuff are you paying for that you have to throw away?

Businesses and industries can really help with waste reduction efforts. The District will provide one-on-one technical assistance on waste reduction to any business, industry, school or government that requests it at no charge.

Recycling

The Boston Mountain Solid Waste District Headquarters and Springdale location has an extensive recycle drop off program that is free of charge.  Items that can be dropped off at these locations are: plastics (#1-#7 excluding styrofoam), aluminum cans, steel cans, corrugated cardboard, glass (all colors), newspaper, magazines, telephone books, mixed paper (including junk mail), motor oil, aerosol cans, batteries (all sizes), paperboard

Waste Exchanges

Waste exchanges are systems where people or businesses can list things they have that they want to get rid of or list things they are looking for. The State of Arkansas runs one focused on business and industry called E-match. You can find them here. For the rest of us, check out Northwest Arkansas Freecycle. It's a Yahoo Group you can use to list good things you're willing to give away or list things you're looking for as a donation. Also check out the back of the Fayetteville Free Weekly for their swap classifieds.