Top 3 Precycle Tips:

• Avoid excess packaging
• Buy items that will last
• Reuse as much as you can

Precycle FAQs

• Use cloth instead of paper towels
• Use rechargeable batteries
• Donate clothing, toys and appliances to charities and non-profit organizations (in good condition)
• Look for other Alternatives to Landfill
• Repair broken items
• Use glass food jars for storage
• Save used brown paper bags, twist ties, plastic food bags, foam packing chips, gift wrap, holiday cards for reuse
• Borrow or rent items you only use occasionally or consider buying and sharing that equipment with friends or family
• Cut old bedding, socks and un-wearable clothes for rags
• Donate used magazines and books to the doctor’s office, seniors’ homes or the local library before recycling them
• Have your address removed from un-wanted mail lists
  • www.reddotcampaign.ca
  • www.the-cma.org

• Buy in bulk
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of packaged
• Bring your own canvas or reusable bags
• Do not accept a bag when making small purchases
• Avoid disposable items such as razors and toss-away dust cloths
• Buy concentrates
• Avoid non-compostable and non-recyclable packaging
• Avoid single-serving packages
• Buy reusable products, such as cloth napkins
• Choose items with the least amount of packaging, or packaging that can be reused or recycled
  • All plastic containers and all plastic bags/wrap are recyclable in HRM.

• When possible, receive email subscriptions for newsletters instead of paper
• Use refillable pens instead of disposable
• Circulate one copy of memos, letters, etc. instead of distributing individual copies
• Erase and reuse computer disks
• Use email for correspondence, memos, etc.
• Make double-sided copies
• Use a reusable travel mug
• Set up a "reuse centre" for magazines, books, binders, diskettes, report covers and other office supplies
• Cancel un-wanted fax advertisements

• Use washable plates and utensils instead of disposable
• Use cloth instead of paper napkins
• Borrow or rent items that you use only seasonally or occasionally
• Buy snacks in bulk instead of single-serve
• Send invitations via email.

• Encourage guests to carpool.
• Wrap gifts in reusable items to match the occasion like receiving blankets or dish towels.
• Make decorations with reusable or recyclable material.

• Use both sides of your paper
• Save scraps to use in making crafts
• Bring a "wasteless" lunch using reusable containers in a reusable lunch bag
• Set up a "reuse centre" for binders, folders, report covers and other supplies