Waste Reduction and One Simple Act

Our resources are too good to waste. That’s why Alberta takes the three Rs seriously. Whether the resources are from nature or are manufactured, what we use and dispose of are all resources. The three Rs are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The Rs are placed in an order of importance or a hierarchy, which means that the first R word is the first action, Reduce; practiced before the next action, Reuse and those two are done before the third action, Recycle.

Alberta municipalities currently recycle 20 per cent of their waste and the rest, 80 per cent, goes to the landfill. Alberta’s goal is to reverse the waste profile so that only 20 per cent goes to landfill and 80 per cent is diverted from the landfill. This can happen when we all practice the three Rs.

Waste is place–based; waste is generated where people are. Did you know that 31 per cent of household waste is organic food scraps and yard waste and that an additional 34 per cent is paper? Simple actions in our lifestyles can make a huge difference. Pick one that you can commit to and do it!

Reduce

I commit to reducing organic waste by composting. Commit here

• Backyard Composting to reduce Backyard Waste
• VermiComposting to reduce Kitchen Waste

Reuse

I will reuse a refillable drinking bottle and/or a travel mug. Commit here

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

I will practice the three Rs when I use paper. Commit here

Waste Reduction Education Resources

• Sort it Out
• Waste Watchers
• A Century of Kitchen Waste Interactive Website
• Get in the Loop

Programs and Events

Special weeks are designed to involve all citizens in connecting and celebrating.

• Waste Reduction Week
• Triple StaRs Grade 4 Waste Reduction Week Challenge
• Environment Week

More Information

• Waste Facts booklet
• Too Good to Waste: Making Conservation a Priority Strategy
• Saving the World Begins at Home