Reduce your consumption and waste
The 3 Rs are three ways to manage our waste more efficiently by reducing and recovering our waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Reduce
Paying attention to our purchases is the best way to reduce our waste and our consumption of raw materials such as wood, oil or water.
Here are some tips to reduce consumption and waste:
- Choosing products with limited packaging
- Choosing non-polluting recyclable materials
- Refusing plastic bags
- Buying in bulk and bringing our own containers
- Buying better quality appliances that last longer
- Avoiding disposable, single-use products
- Renting or borrowing items we won’t use often
- Before making a purchase, thinking about our best option and real need
Reuse
Reusing or repurposing is about extending the life of objects. When possible, they can be repaired, used otherwise or given to someone who needs them.
Here are some ways to reuse objects:
- Maintaining and repairing objects
- Donating what is no longer needed to people or associations who will use them
- Finding a second use for materials or objects
Recycle
Recycling allows for the manufacture of a new object from an object that is no longer in use and, once processed, is then used as raw material for manufacturing. Recycling is the last option, as it is often more expensive than reduction and reuse. However, recycling offers more possibilities for products that can be made from the resource created.
Here are some ways to recycle well and promote recycling:
- Buying recyclable and recycled products
- Composting our table scraps
- Bringing batteries, electronics and other items to drop-off points
- Putting recyclable items and materials in the bin
- Visiting our municipality’s website to find out how to recycle better
Useful links
- Visit the RECYC-QUÉBEC (in french) website for complete information addressed to citizens.
- Find the addresses of environmentally responsible businesses in your area by browsing the Waste Management section of the Lespagesvertes.ca (in french) community directory.
