Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle Program

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Reduce Reuse Recycle Pyramid

Patterson's 3Rs Program

The Public Works Department's 3Rs Program: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, is designed to collect and market, in an efficient manner, all recyclable waste produced within the City of Patterson. It is key to achieving sustainable city operations and consistent with AB 341, AB 1826 & SB 1383 which calls for businesses, municipalities, schools, and multifamily residences to implement comprehensive and environmentally sound solid waste management programs.

Ultimately, the program is designed to decrease the volume of waste that the city sends to the landfills. The program, established in response to the Solid Waste Management Act of 1988, is going to succeed largely because of the support and cooperation of Patterson residences, Patterson business operators, and those that visit here. This following information provides guidance on how to practice the 3Rs. The 3Rs Program stresses the hierarchy of waste management:

  • Reduce what you use
  • Reuse what you can
  • Recycle everything else

Tips & Guidelines

Residence and businesses are encouraged to sort and appropriately dispose of household and office waste generated through daily work and activities. For more information, follow the 3Rs tips and guidelines below.

Reduce

  • Copy or print double-sided to reduce paper purchasing
  • Update and consolidate mailing lists
  • Use interoffice routing slips instead of individual copies
  • Use plastic bags
  • Return packaging materials to manufacturers (e.g., pallets, boxes, and other containers)
  • Use post-it notes instead of cover sheets when faxing
  • Purchase equipment and supplies that are reused or reusable, come with minimal packaging (bulk), or recycled or recyclable
  • Communicate agency documents via email

Reuse

If you don't need something anymore, someone else in your community or agency might. Examples of reusable office supplies include:

  • 3-ring, press board, and computer printout binders
  • Jars and plastic gallons
  • Manila file folders
  • File boxes
  • Packing materials
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Hanging file folders

Recycle

The following objects are recyclable:

  • Batteries (wet cell and rechargeable)
  • Fluorescent lamps
  • Lighting ballasts
  • All electronic equipment, including computers
  • All types of office waste paper-envelopes with or without windows, post-It notes, magazines and books, and newsprint
  • Corrugated cardboard and boxes
  • Glass, plastic, metal, and various other food and beverage containers
  • All mixed and precious metals
  • Used motor oil and oil filters
  • Transmission fluid
  • Anti-freeze
  • Pallets and clean wood
  • Yard waste
  • Concrete, asphalt, and stone
  • Styrofoam packing material and bubble wrap