Reduce
Water-efficient toilets use 60 to 80 percent less water than older models. Residents may receive a $100 rebate by installing a qualifying toilet that uses 1.1 gallons or less per flush.
Turning off the water while shaving or brushing teeth can save seven gallons of water. Installing an aerator can cut water use by 30 percent. Puget Sound Energy offers rebates.
Shredded paper cannot be recycled or composted through residential curbside collection programs due to contamination issues. Only shred documents with sensitive information and sign up for e-bills to reduce shredding needs. For a list of community paper shredding events, visit Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
Reuse
King County hosts free repair events throughout the region. Residents can bring small household items, appliances and clothing for experienced craftspeople to repair. Currently, no events are scheduled due to COVID-19. To learn more, visit King County's Repair events website or contact Tom Watson at or 206-477-4481.
There are many local and online resources for sharing, selling or buying reusable items. In addition to local thrift stores, online resources include your neighborhood's Buy Nothing group, Nextdoor, and Craigslist.
Recycle
Renton Recycling Resources offers a list of drop-off locations for items that cannot be recycled in the blue bin or curbside.
Electronics contain valuable natural resources that are recoverable, and may contain hazardous components that need to disposed of properly. If electronics cannot be reused or repaired, please recycle them at one of the drop-off locations in your area.
Recycle plastic bags, wraps and films at many stores, including all major grocery stores in Renton. Plastic bags cannot be recycled in the blue bin or curbside as they contaminate otherwise recyclable materials.
Recycle stained or torn clothes, shoes and linens at a number of Renton locations. Wet, mildewed or contaminated items are not accepted.
Recycle for free latex paint, oil-based paint, stains, and varnishes at locations participating in the PaintCare Washington program. Visit Paint Smarter to buy the right amount of paint, store it properly, and use it up or give it away.
Rethink
Prevent expensive repairs to your drain and sewer pipes by disposing of food scraps in the compost bin instead of the sink disposal. A build up of fats, oils and grease (FOG) from foods and cooking oil can cause problems in both residential and public sewer systems. If there is no access to compost, discard food scraps in the garbage. Visit Wastewater Division for more information.
Wash vehicles at commercial washes where wastewater goes to treatment plants. Water from vehicles washed in streets and driveways flows directly into storm drains and then into streams, rivers and lakes, contaminating waters. Learn about other ways to keep stormwater clean.
Play the interactive online game, Survive the Sound, where you pick a fish, join a team, and compete to see whose team has the most surviving fish over the 5 day migration. You'll learn about the challenges the fish face and what actions you can take to help protect the environment and the fish.
Each April, volunteer to install storm drain markers and distribute educational materials as part of the city’s Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration. Drain markers are an important reminder that only rain goes down storm drains.
Report oil or hazardous spills to 911 and all other spills to 425-430-7400. One quick call keeps neighbor-hoods and waterways clean and healthy.