Please note that we are in the process of updating our research. Check back frequently for the latest factsheets and updated information. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can email us at info@informinc.org or call Sophie Cardona at 212.361.2400, ext 224.

Promoting Waste Prevention and Design of Less Wasteful Products

Fact Sheets:

• A Review of California and Maine's electronics recycling programs
  
  
• The benefits of recycling electronics in the US


• Cell phone and battery recycling laws in Europe and the US
  
  
• European Union Electrical and Electronic Products Directives (PDF)


• The WEEE and RoHS Directives: Highlights and Analysis (PDF)


• Impact of the RoHS Directive on Electronic Products Sold in the US (PDF)
  
  
• The Basel Convention and its Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative (MPPI) (PDF)
  
  
• Electric Appliance Recycling in Japan (PDF)
  
  
• PC Recycling in Japan (PDF)
  
  
• What are Rechargeable Batteries?
  
  
• Waste Reduction Tips for the Office
  
  
• Tips for a Cleaner, "Greener" Holiday



• Community Waste Prevention Toolkit Fact Sheets on:
  • Batteries
  • Carpets
  • Computers
  • Construction & Demolition
  • Toner cartridges

Executive summaries:

• Rethinking Resources: New Ideas for Community Waste Prevention
  David Saphire and Sharene Azimi (1997, 52 pp.,)
  Explores some of the key limiting factors to greater implementation of government waste prevention programs and describes a broad array of public and private sector initiatives that have overcome these limitations.



• Less Garbage Overnight: A Waste Prevention Guide for the Lodging Industry
  John P. Winter and Sharene Azimi (1996, 64 pp.,)
  
  Find out how hotels and motels can prevent the generation of solid waste, saving money throughout their operations. Includes numerous case studies.



• Delivering the Goods: Benefits of Reusable Shipping Containers David Saphire (1995, 32 pp., ) Describes how reusing shipping containres can curtail packaging waste, offering environmental and economic benefits. Discusses institutional obstacles to more widespread use and options for overcoming them.



• Making Less Garbage on Campus: A Hands-On Guide
  David Saphire (1995, 72 pp.,)
  
  College campuses offer abundant opportunities for waste prevention. Here are case studies of campuses that have learned to prevent waste in a variety of innovative ways. Includes checklists for action.



• Case Reopened: Reassessing Refillable Bottles
  David Saphire (1994, 366 pp.,)
  
  Compares impacts of refillable and single-use containers in generating solid waste, using energy, and polluting air and water. Looks at successful distribution systems here and abroad.



• Germany, Garbage, and the Green Dot: Challenging the Throwaway Society
  Bette K. Fishbein (1994, 276 pp.,)
  
  Analyzes the concept of extended manufacturer responsibility as a means to reduce product and packaging waste, through the lens of the German experience.