Reduce Waste
Climate Action Counts is a statewide effort mobilizing Californians to take everyday climate actions at home and in their communities. Take the pledge and help fight climate change by reducing waste and more!
Donate, upcycle and thrift.
Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S. So instead of tossing things, donate items you no longer need to local charities. Upcycle old furniture, clothes or materials into something new and unique! Avoid single-use products. Borrow, rent, trade or share tools, clothing and more with neighbors. And thrift!
Resources:
🔗 Reduce Waste – I Recycle Smart
🔗 Stay Informed – Californians Against Waste
đź”— The Problem with Marine Debris – California Coastal Commission
Did You Know?
Tons
Amount of waste sent to U.S. landfills per year
Tons
Amount of clothing Californians throw out each year
Gallons
Water it takes to produce one single-use water bottle
Pounds
Amount of trash a Californian produces per day
Partner Spotlights
We all have a part to play in the fight against climate change. That’s why the California Coastal Commission is proud to be part of Governor Newsom’s Climate Action Counts campaign. Every volunteer at California Coastal Cleanup Day contributes to the effort to combat plastic pollution and protect our environment. By working together, we can ensure California’s coast remains healthy and resilient for generations to come.”
— Dr. Kate Huckelbridge, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission
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The California Coastal Commission is a state agency with both staff members and a decision-making body committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education and outreach and effective intergovernmental coordination.
San Francisco is championing zero waste thanks to our passionate residents, dedicated businesses and collaborative city departments. We pioneered the three-bin system—now a global standard—and continue to push bold waste reduction goals. Through our 2025 Climate Action Plan, we’re cutting emissions, supporting residents, protecting the health of our communities and using innovation as opportunity to craft our future.”
— Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department
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The City and County of San Francisco believes achieving zero waste is possible through best practices such as reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. In 2018, San Francisco joined other major cities in pledging ambitious sustainability goals to:
- Reduce municipal solid waste generation by 15% by 2030 (reducing what goes into the recycling, composting and black bins).
- Reduce disposal to landfill 50% by 2030 (reducing what goes in the black bin).
San Francisco continues to focus on decreasing what is sent to landfill through education and programs that emphasize reuse, repair, and reduction. Everyone has a role to play in reducing waste!
