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Image ©Emily Hagopian

Zero Waste At Home

Looking for ways to reduce waste at home? Read on for some of our top tips to help your household create less waste!

Set Up a Sorting System

Everyone’s home is different, so no two home sorting systems will look exactly alike! Each home should have a system to collect compost, recycling, and trash before emptying each category into your rolling curbside bins. We recommend setting up a system for waste sorting based on the physical space you have available, and the number of people in your household.

  • Space Limited?

    Store your food scraps in a small container in the freezer before emptying into your big green bin, or store your compost container under the sink in the kitchen.

  • Live with roommates or a large family?

    Make sure everyone is on the same page by printing out simple posters and labels to remind people of what items go in each bin.

  • Get Our Sorting Guide

    Download our residential sorting guide for help!

A kitchen compost pail with food scraps in it on a wood backdrop

Learn How to Refill and Use the Bulk Section

Bulk food dispensers in a store
Bring you own containers and stock up!

There are a growing number of options in Marin and the wider Bay Area for buying bulk grocery goods, home goods, and toiletries. Opting for refill where possible reduces waste by allowing you to bring in existing containers that you already have, rather than buying a product in a new container every time.

See the table below for nearby resources!

Bulk Grocery Dry Goods (Marin County)

Bulk Grocery Goods (Other Bay Area Counties)

 

Home Goods & Toiletries (Marin County)

 

Refill Home Goods in Other Bay Area Counties:

Know of a bulk or refill store not on this list? Contact us at [email protected]! 

Looking further afield? This website has bulk shopping opportunities listed throughout California: https://www.litterless.com/bulk-food-guide/california 

Prioritize Reusables

One of the most effective ways to reduce waste is to prevent it from happening. You can do this in your everyday life by carrying a “zero waste kit”!

Some common things you could include in your “zero waste kit” are:

  • A reusable coffee mug or thermos
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A set of reusable utensils
  • A food container (especially if you frequently have leftovers when you go out to eat!)
A Reusable Metal Coffee Mug with a green checkmark
A Reusable Metal Water Bottle with a green checkmark
Reusable Utensils with a green checkmark
Reusable Glass Food Containers with a green checkmark

This principle – prioritizing reusables – also applies if you are hosting a dinner party or event at your home or for your community. Try to prioritize serving on reusable materials; if that isn’t possible, make sure you are serving on truly compostable materials and direct guests to compost afterwards!

Download our event and party guide in English and Spanish for more tips!

Address Consumption

The most important principle when it comes to shrinking the waste we produce is “reduce” – how we can we prevent waste before it happens? When considering buying something new, we would encourage you to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I already own something that would work for this purpose?
  • Can I borrow or rent this item?
  • Can I thrift this item or buy it secondhand?
  • Can I make this item?
  • If I need to buy something new, can I buy it locally to reduce the impacts of shipping?
Waste Hierarchy Diagram