Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rochester

Learn how to rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle waste the right way at Rochester.

What is R5?

Rochester's Zero-Waste Hierarchy is an inverted pyramid that shows if you rethinking, reduce, reuse, and recycle/compost, you'll end up reducing what ends up in landfills While recycling and composting are good things to do, it is important to start by eliminating materials from the waste stream whenever possible. At Rochester, we have developed the R5 program to help you get in this mindset. This graphic illustrates how this program ultimately limits what goes into a landfill—by rethinking, reducing, reusing, and recycling or composting.

Explore the rest of this page to learn more about each facet of our zero-waste hierarchy: R5.

Rethink

Pause and consider what you’re purchasing, consuming, and throwing out. Rethinking what we value and prioritize can have a collective impact on large systems that generate waste. Redesigning systems allow us to avoid needless or wasteful consumption. Think about how purchasing choices make an impact on waste disposal:

Is this purchase necessary?
Am I buying too much of something?
Can this item be made with less material, recycled materials, or materials that support a circular economy?
What packaging materials come with this purchase?

Reduce

When we reduce what we consume, we reduce the waste we generate. Considering the quantity and toxicity of resources, products, and packaging contributes to less waste and a cleaner environment. Reducing is also a way to acknowledge the imbalance of resources to ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met. One person reducing means resources are available for others, too.

Reuse programs

One person’s trash can be another’s treasure. One of the best ways to avoid the landfill is to reuse what you already have. If an area or department has excess supplies or furniture, there are ways to reuse and redistribute these resources.

Recycling programs

When we recycle, the old becomes new. Discover what you can recycle and where. Plus, learn about day-to-day recyling and special collection opportunities.

Rochester

The buildings, land, and people at the University are all part of larger consumption and waste streams.

The University adheres to regulations set forth by Monroe County. Learn more about the county’s residential curbside recycling, solid waste management, and ecopark services.

For more information about the University’s R5 programs, contact Phil Piedmont at ppiedmon@facilities.rochester.edu or (585) 690-9119.