Reed College
Reed College

Sustainability at Reed

5 "Rs" of Zero Waste Management 

How can you reduce your annual waste footprint? Commit to the 5 “R’s” of Zero Waste Management. The formula: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot – to be followed in that order. Here is how it works:
  1. Refuse what you do not need. 
  2. Reduce what you do need.
  3. Reuse and repair what you have. 
  4. Recycle what you can't refuse, reduce, or reuse.  
  5. Rot (composting) the rest.