Preventing waste reduces City waste disposal costs, and can cut overall purchasing costs. New York City's waste prevention policies require City Agency staff to use products and materials more efficiently.

Our tips for your agency detail the kinds of waste prevention practices that City Agencies can implement. Find tips and resources for teachers and students in waste less at school. Visit waste prevention case studies to see what other Agencies are doing. 

Here are some tips to get you started:
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

Reduce

An easy first step is to reduce the amount of paper waste. Another target is packaging waste, which can be reduced by buying in bulk and requiring vendors to ship products using minimal packaging. For more tips, see taking waste prevention to work.

City agencies and schools can also reduce the amount of toxics used in the workplace, and can implement policies to save energy. Measurement tools calculate the cost savings of waste prevention initiatives.

Reuse

Another waste preventing strategy is to lease rather than purchase new equipment. Products available for lease include electronic equipment, wood pallets, reusable totes, furniture, carpeting, rags and linens, and parts washers.

Recycle

The NYC Department of Sanitation collects recyclables at the curb from residents, city agencies, and institutions throughout the five boroughs.

Buying products made with recycled content closes the recycling loop. Learn more about green purchasing and recycled-content requirements for government purchases.