WASTE REDUCTION BASICS IN BIG SKY
We often think of recycling as the first action we can take towards sustainability. Try to reframe that mindset and remember that you can reduce your environmental impact when you purchase items. Ask yourself, “Can I reuse, repurpose, or borrow this item?” “Can I find the same item with less packaging?” Below is a checklist for each time you think to purchase.
1. RETHINK your choices
2. REFUSE single use
3. REDUCE consumption
4. REUSE everything
5. REFURBISH old items
6. REPAIR before replacing
7. REPURPOSE creatively
8. RECYCLE last option
FOOD RECOVERY - FOOD BANK & COMPOSTING
Food Recovery is one of the best ways to repurpose food already purchased, whether going to homes or turning into soil. According to SNO’s Big Sky Community Waste Assessment, 23.2% of waste going to the landfill is edible food, with inedible food scraps accounting for 13%. Food waste is the primary contributor to methane (CH4) in the landfill, a greenhouse gas emission 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) so consider donating unopened, edible food to the Big Sky Community Food Bank, or if food is opened or inedible, compost it.
Food Bank Donations
Recycling with Pete from Full Circle Recycling
Composting with Karl from YES Compost
WASTE COMPOSITION ASSESSMENT
The data-based reasoning for this education is founded in The Big Sky Community Waste Composition Assessment, which was published in June 2023.
Partners: BSRAD, Moonlight Community Foundation, Rieschel Foundation, Republic Services, Gallatin County Solid Waste
RECYCLING & COMPOSTING EFFORTS
Are you hosting an event in Big Sky? Contact SNO and ask how we can help facilitate your efforts at landfill diversion by coordinating with local compost and recycling haulers, provide you with vendor contracts to push for universal adoption of compostables and recyclables, and motivate some “Trash Talking” Volunteers to help educate your event-goers. Each zero waste effort event has a ripple effect in educating community members on what is recyclable and how we are encouraging greater adoption of compost. Remember if you sign up to be a SNO steward you will get your first month of curbside compost free with YES Compost.
Partners: BSRAD, YES Compost, 406 Recycling
RECYCLING AND COMPOST BINS
RECYCLING AND COMPOST BINS
SNO successfully purchased and installed 3 new compost, garbage and recycling bins in Big Sky: 2 in Town Center, and one in the Big Sky Community Park. This project addresses the need for better and more consistent opportunities for recycling, with the addition of a compostable bin as well. The bins were custom made by Back Alley Metals in Red Lodge, MT, giving the ability to support a Montana business, and installed strategically in high traffic areas and areas of both residential and visitor use in commercial and recreation sites in the community.
Project Partners : BSRAD, YCCF, MCF, SPCF, Rotary Foundation, Republic Services
Want to learn more about community recycling opportunities, and what you can & cannot recycle in Big Sky? Check out these helpful resources to learn more:
DRINKING WATER SOLUTIONS
MOBILE FILLING STATIONS
In partnership with Highline Partners, SNO obtained 3 portable water bottle filling stations with built-in filtration. They are used weekly at the summer Farmer’s Market & Thursday night Music in the Mountains hosted by Big Sky Arts Council, and at more remote events hosted throughout the year. Contact SNO if you’re interested in renting these water filling stations for your remote outdoor event.
Project Partner: Highline Partners
STATIONARY FILLING STATIONS
Through a partnership with the Gallatin River Task Force, SNO was able to purchase and install three water bottle fountains and filling stations; one in Town Center and two in the Big Sky Community Park, hoping to encourage reusable water bottle use, and reducing the purchase and use of single-use plastic bottles in the community. These units were placed in high use areas by both residents and visitors, in commercial and recreational sites in the community.
Project Partners : MCF, SPCF, Gallatin River Task Force
Waste Reduction Resources
Get involved in waste reduction efforts in our community