Trying to reduce waste? Here’s a practical, local guide for Philly residents

Local tips, services, and swaps to help you send less to the landfill.

Climate change shows no signs of slowing – we can even blame our current frigid North Pole temperatures on it. Although governments and large corporations are largely to blame, individuals can still make an impact, especially when our actions collectively move towards more sustainable solutions. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, we can review our everyday choices to reduce environmental strain.

How to Reduce your Waste

Outside of obvious means (like having and actually using a recycling bin), the average person can find clever ways to cut down on what ends up at the curb. Whether you’re just getting started or actively working to reduce waste, this comprehensive guide is for you.

As a reminder, organizations occasionally change their donation or recycling guidelines. Please call ahead or check with the individual organizations before dropping off items.

Recycle Smarter

Start by figuring out exactly what you can recycle. Download our Guide to Recycling for more information. You may be surprised to learn that items like non-shiny wrapping paper can go in the recycling bin.

But before tossing recyclable items, consider whether they can be reused:

• Glass jars that can store hardware, art supplies, or pantry staples.
• Plastic bottles can be repurposed for DIY irrigation or watering systems.

Philadelphia also has resources for recycling building materials, and quite a few businesses exist for textiles and more.

• The Resource Exchange takes craft materials, textiles, and furniture/decor.
• Habitat Restore takes appliances, building materials, and furniture.
• Rabbit Recycling will pick up hard-to-recycle materials, which can later be used in manufacturing. Think: rubbers, Styrofoam, etc.

Finally, consider encouraging your business and those that you support to get serious about recycling. You’d be surprised what kind of materials can be recycled, including beat-up sneakers and cigarette butts. Companies like Terracycle find creative ways to recycle small but impactful trash.

Cut Down Food Waste

Cutting down food waste is one of the easiest areas of improvement. Taking inventory of your cabinets and fridge before shopping can help you to spend – and throw away – less. As expiration dates approach, or if you’re not loving a flavor in a multipack, consider visiting community food pantries and fridges.

Composting is also a valuable tool. It provides many benefits: reduced amounts of waste sent to landfills (cutting down on methane), enriched soil, and water conservation. By diverting organic materials such as food scraps and yard waste from landfills, composting prevents the production of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas released during decomposition.

In Philadelphia, you can use a bin to compost on your own, or you can hire a service to pick up your scraps and process them for you.

• Mother Compost services the Main Line and drops off buckets, picks them up when they’re full, then processes them for you.
• Bennett Compost is a long-running service that diverts over 150 tons of food waste every month in the Philadelphia area.
• Kona Compost services Yardley.
• Back to Earth Compost Crew covers composting in Montgomery County, PA.
• Want to DIY? Check our Green Philly’s DIY compost guide.

Donate Instead of Discarding

When you’re ready to part with clothes, donating keeps them in circulation rather than in landfills. This can also reduce the impact of fast fashion. Even your tattered clothing can find a second life with organizations that repurpose old fabric.

• Philly Aids Thrift accepts using clothing, shoes & accessories, among many other items during 12-7 p.m., 5 days a week. 710 S 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
• The Wardrobe accepts many clothing donations like business suits, professional outfits, accessories, gently warn shows, medical professional wear and more. Career Wardrobe, 1822 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, M-F 10-4 PM. Other locations & guidelines on the Career Wardrobe website.
• Goodwill is the ultimate one-stop shop for clothing (and almost anything) donations.
• Greendrop picks up clothing donations straight from your door.
• Planet Aid has clothes & shoes donation bins across the city. Visit their website to find the closest location to you.
• Circle Thrift over on 2233 Frankford Ave or at 1125 S. Broad St.
• Find additional places on Green Philly’s recycling guide of used textiles and clothes.

Animal shelters often use old towels and blankets. The following shelters frequently request laundered linens with no holes:

• ACCT Philly in Hunting Park
• PAWS in Greys Ferry
• AWA in Voorhees

By giving household items a second life, you’ll be keeping them out of landfills a little longer.

Change How You Shop

Buying local can help you cut down on waste. Local goods, such as farm-fresh produce and eggs, often avoid the practices of mass production.

Shopping at secondhand stores is another way to reduce what ends up in the trash. Thrift shops are an especially great way to enjoy leather goods without contributing to the culling of more cows.

Beyond that, look for durable, high-quality items rather than cheap “fast” goods that wear out quickly. The longer an item lasts, the fewer replacements you’ll need to buy, which ultimately saves money while lowering waste.

Farmers’ markets and community swaps are also great places to discover sustainable shopping options while supporting your neighbors.

• Co-ops such as Weavers Way
• Farmers markets around Philadelphia (like this list from Phila.gov) and in the suburbs like the Collingswood Farmers Market
• Community swaps and neighborhood buy-nothing groups

Exploring sustainable, second-hand, and local shops is also possible for baby gear and gently used kids’ items. Keep in mind that car seats can’t be donated or purchased used, and check for recalls before committing to items that are “vintage.” 

• Momo’s Tree House (Old City)
• Tildie’s Toy Box (South Philly)
• The Nesting House (multiple Philly locations) offers baby and toddler gear, cloth-diapering supplies, carriers, and more

Art & Craft Shopping

Whether you’re restocking your home craft supplies, finding reclaimed materials, or looking for inspiration for creative projects, Philly has a vibrant art and craft scene.

• The Resource Exchange is also a solid option for shopping for donated art supplies, such as textiles, beads, and frames
• Fabric Row for quilting fabrics and upcycling scraps

Choose Reusable/Refillable Over Single-Use

Swapping disposable products for reusable alternatives is a simple way to cut waste:

• Use cloth towels or swedish cloths instead of paper towels.
• Bring your reusable water bottles and coffee cups.
• Try Menstrual cups or discs instead of disposable products (available at most pharmacies and major retailers).

Refilleries offer low-waste, refillable options that can reduce your carbon footprint.

• Good Buy Supply Co is a local low-waste store that sells over 40 bulk items. Just bring your own container.
• Ray’s Reusables sells low-waste home goods and has a refill bar.

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t require perfection, but it definitely requires you to be intentional.

By making thoughtful choices and taking advantage of the city’s many sustainability resources, you can shrink your impact while supporting a more resilient local community.

Cover photo: Claudia Salvato Photography