Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Reducing Waste

 

That's a lot of Garbage!

The average Minnesotan produces 6.2 lbs. of garbage each day...and rising! If the amount of waste we generate continues to increase at the current rate, it is expected to triple in 20 years. And, as population increases, the problem does too!

In the past 20 years, the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District has processed over 1,368,000 tons of garbage. That's a lot of garbage! Currently, our recycling rate is about 45%. This is a little higher than the average for Minnesota, which has one of the best rates in the nation. However, it appears the recycling rate is leveling out while the amount of garbage produced is rising.

What can you do? - Reduce your waste!

At Home:

  • Reuse cups, bags, jars, & plastic containers
  • Use reusable coffee cups, lunch boxes or bags
  • Use cloth towels and napkins
  • Save & reuse envelopes and boxes
  • Maintain items to reduce repairs
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Remove yourself from unwanted mailing lists
  • Plan errands & carpool to reduce driving
  • Pass on used goods to friends or charities, or have a garage sale
  • Reduce the amount of products you buy & use
  • Avoid disposable & individually wrapped items
  • Buy in bulk when practical
  • Buy durable, repairable products
  • Bring your own shopping bags
  • Buy returnables & refillables
  • Buy non-hazardous products
  • Borrow, rent, or share items instead of buying new
  • Buy products packaged with recycled & /or recyclable materials

The most effective way to reduce the amount of trash entering our solid waste stream lies with you, the consumer. By reducing the amount of waste we generate, we can also reduce our environmental impact.