One of the best ways to manage waste is to create less of it in the first place. Choose products with less packaging, bring reusable bags and bottles, reuse containers when you can and look for items that are built to last. Small changes in what we buy, use and throw away can help reduce waste across Hampton Roads.

Recycling works best when the right items go in the right place. Before you toss something in the bin, make sure it is accepted in your local recycling program, that containers are empty, clean and dry, and that hard-to-recycle items are handled properly. When in doubt, use the Recycling & Disposal Tool to check what can be recycled, what needs special disposal and what belongs in the trash.