National Recycling Day is November 15 and Use Less Stuff Day is November 16. These two days go hand in hand to help reduce the amount of waste we throw in the garbage. Items that get thrown in the garbage usually end up going to a landfill. This trash can leach into the environment and even our waterways. This is why it is always good to reduce the amount of trash we produce.

While these two days take place on specific dates in November, you can use these tips to help reduce the trash you produce all year long!

Check an item you are disposing of first before you throw it in the trash to see if it can be recycled.

In Marion County you can recycle the following in each bin:

• Blue Bin: cardboard, paper, tin and aluminum cans.
• Green Bin: yard waste including leaves, twigs, and grass trimmings; and food waste for compost.
• Red Bin: glass, batteries, and liquids like car oil and antifreeze – put back into the original container.
• You can also check Marion County’s Recycle Guide to see where other items can be recycled or safely disposed of.

You can cut down on your use of stuff by practicing these tips:

• Before you buy brand new, check if you can buy it used at a thrift store or from someone getting rid of it. Buy Nothing and Garage Sale groups online are great places to find items to give a second life to or to give away items you want to get rid of.
• Cut down on your use of single use plastic items by choosing reusable items instead. Some items you can consider swapping for reusables include:
  • Water Bottles
  • Straws
  • Coffee Cups
  • Produce Bags
  • Shopping Bags
  • To Go Utensils
  • Food To Go Boxes

Whatever you choose to do, big or small, you can help protect our environment and local waterways. Visit the Clean Streams website for more tips on how you can help protect local waterways.