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Reduce your waste Reduce your waste <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Reduce%20your%20waste%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /><div class="ExternalClassA95F5B361174410CBCB11CD163347D2E"><p>We can make smart decisions to reduce the amount of rubbish that we throw away. The practice of reducing our household and commercial waste is called waste minimisation.</p></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Why we should reduce our waste </h2><p> Waste minimisation is a highly important component to building a sustainable city. Our landfills are quickly running out of space as we throw away more and more items. </p><p>Our goal, which is an important part of the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Integrated%20Waste%20Management%20By-law%202010.pdf" target="_blank">City’s Integrated Waste Management By-Law</a>, is to greatly reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills by changing the way residents and businesses think about waste. Instead of throwing away all the waste we produce, we should start thinking about how to produce less waste in the first place, as well as what can be recycled, composted and reused.  </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Reduce, reuse, recycle </h2><p> Below are some useful tips to help reduce the amount of household waste generated and disposed.</p><h4> Tips for reducing general waste</h4><ul><li> Buy only what you need. </li><li> Buy in bulk and cut down on products with lots of packaging - refills and concentrates generally require less packaging. </li><li> Take your own bags to grocery stores. </li><li> Buy products that are made from recyclable or recycled materials. </li><li> Choose durable products that won’t need to be replaced often. </li><li> Avoid buying disposable products such as razors, cameras or paper cups and plates. </li><li> Get creative and DIY or make you own gifts and wrapping paper - consider non-material gifts such as a night-out or cooking a meal for someone. </li><li> Print and photocopy both sides of any paper you use. </li></ul><h4> Tips for reducing food waste</h4><ul><li>Plan meals and shopping lists: Plan your meals in advance and create a detailed shopping list. This way, you can avoid overbuying and ensure you only purchase what you need. </li><li>Buy locally and seasonally: Support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation by choosing locally-grown and seasonal produce. </li><li>Proper storage: Store food correctly to extend its shelf life. Ensure refrigerated items are kept at the appropriate temperature and use the first-in, first-out method when organising your pantry. </li><li>Consider storage capacity: Think about your fridge/freezer capacity when stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables, to minimise unnecessary spoiling of unused produce. </li><li>Portion control: Be mindful of how much food you cook and serve. Start with smaller portions and allow guests to serve themselves second helpings if desired. This will minimise leftovers and reduce waste. </li><li>Be creative with re-using leftover food: There are creative online recipes to turn leftovers into new and exciting dishes to enjoy, rather than just throwing them out. </li><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/green-gardening-and-eating/start-composting-at-home">Composting at home</a>: Composting food scraps reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish plants and gardens. </li><li>Businesses that generate organic waste such as restaurants, hotels and food processing companies must submit <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/commercial-utility-services/commercial-solid-waste-services/integrated-waste-management-plans">waste management plans</a>, including their waste minimisation plan to dispose of organic waste, not via landfill.</li></ul><h4></h4> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact">​​</i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact​</h4><p> Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and increases the effects of climate change. When food is wasted, valuable resources such as water, energy and land are wasted. Leftovers and scraps that end up in landfills also produce a potent greenhouse gas that can accelerate climate change.</p></div></div></span> <h4>Tips for re-using items</h4><ul><li> Buy a re-fillable glass bottle ad re-use it for your water, instead of buying plastic bottled water. </li><li> Return glass bottles to manufacturers for a deposit. </li><li> Re-use plastic grocery bags - even better, use durable cloth bags when you go shopping. </li><li> Repair items instead of replacing them. </li><li> If you no longer want something, donate it to somebody who does. </li><li> Borrow or rent items you only use for a short time, such as kids’ carriers, car seats and prams. </li></ul><h4> Information about recycling:</h4><ul><li> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/recycling-at-home/recycling-guide">Find out more about recycling</a>.</li><li>Details of <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-utility-services/Residential-solid-waste-services/recycling-services">recycling services</a> are available for households and businesses.</li></ul> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​Waste minimisation infographic</h2></span> <p>We created an infographic to illustrate why we should reduce, reuse and recycle. It also contains easy tips for reducing the amount of rubbish we throw away, reusing household items and what items are generally recyclable in Cape Town.</p><p>Read or download our infographic and share it with your household, colleagues or classroom.</p> <span> <div class="infographic bg-font-adjust-bg">​​​​​​​​​ <figure><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Waste%20Minimisation%20-%20Thumbnail.jpg" /></figure><figcaption> <p> <span class="infoGraphicSpan">INFOGRAPHIC<br>​​<strong>REDUCE YOUR WASTE</strong></span></p> <a title="reduce your waste infographic" class="btn dark-blue" href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Reduce%20your%20waste%20infographic.pdf" target="_blank"> <i class="icon download"></i>Download PDF</a> </figcaption> </div></span>GP0|#028f662f-61e1-4f79-b109-e1188090bdc3;L0|#0028f662f-61e1-4f79-b109-e1188090bdc3|Reduce your waste;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#49bc32d8-0c00-4f24-ab32-5836dfbc680a;GPP|#39d66b11-2134-4df5-8360-0bc5e66e8f4f;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#1966cad0-ce7e-44ed-9711-1913c0724a2d;L0|#01966cad0-ce7e-44ed-9711-1913c0724a2d|Reduce your waste;GPP|#d4956a09-99ad-4d97-9921-0cf7e06b961c;GPP|#a3964d56-b74d-4d64-95c1-ff381a88a277;GP0|#dfab4642-a5ed-4d86-b2f3-622084d7c056;L0|#0dfab4642-a5ed-4d86-b2f3-622084d7c056|Reduce your waste;GPP|#ae2787f7-3d59-4363-896c-e08d35e8787b;GPP|#99fac000-f3ac-4774-9ffd-e5e59a130e21;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#25826a31-90ff-4a53-95db-b992b327b324;L0|#025826a31-90ff-4a53-95db-b992b327b324|Reduce your waste;GPP|#c9771818-d5cb-40d9-8f14-7215c6a3cdb6;GPP|#d6c1debf-2fe6-4caf-8748-a5126af00c53;GP0|#90316370-3d68-4c6d-8062-d1fe8cb7877c;L0|#090316370-3d68-4c6d-8062-d1fe8cb7877c|Reduce your waste;GPP|#298f5623-1943-427a-bf3d-e9ccff072bec;GPP|#4a553a67-2cba-4911-9745-a724e38b645a;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752The importance of reducing the amount of waste we throw away.0

 

 

Amended Integrated Waste Management By-lawAmended Integrated Waste Management By-law1409128GP0|#d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284;L0|#0d103d4c5-1de8-474e-9fc7-0f42143d9284|By-law;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0|#ef51c989-391a-435e-96a1-0535f4eab240;L0|#0ef51c989-391a-435e-96a1-0535f4eab240|By-law amendment;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#2d2209ac-5bcc-4d2a-9da9-05fb21c94ea1;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2010-02-28T22:00:00Z
Recycling Plastic Waste PosterRecycling Plastic Waste Poster588964GP0|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6|Poster;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2019-10-01T22:00:00Z
Reduce Your Waste InfographicReduce Your Waste Infographic1571118GP0|#f10f836d-5770-43e9-a733-7b3eee03d477;L0|#0f10f836d-5770-43e9-a733-7b3eee03d477|Infographic;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e;GP0|#591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6;L0|#0591e1d8b-7507-4dd3-8a9a-59b5cdd318c6|Poster;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#5340fe0b-73a7-472c-bef7-04e450fb5c4f;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2015-12-31T22:00:00Z

 

 

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