Reusing items -- by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups, or selling them -- also reduces waste. Reusing products, when possible, is even better than recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.

• Use free classified services such as freecycle.org and craigslist.com to list items you no longer need that are in fair or better condition. List them online, even if you are going to put them out at the curb for disposal. Someone may come pick it up before the trash truck does.
• Using durable coffee mugs.
• Using cloth napkins or towels.
• Refilling bottles.
• Donating old magazines or surplus equipment.
• Reusing boxes
• Turning empty jars into containers for leftover food.
• Purchasing refillable pens and pencils.
• Participating in a paint collection and reuse program.