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Waste

The best way to minimize waste is to not create it in the first place. In Princeton there are lots of options to divert waste from the landfill and ways to reduce our consumption.

Borrow don't buy
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You may be able to borrow an item you’re looking for from one of the lending libraries in town or from a neighbor.

  • SP’s Lending Library loans electric landscaping equipment, sewing machines, induction cooktops and other tools
  • Princeton Public Library, in addition to books, loans technology, including computers, projectors, microphones, emergency radios, and so much more
  • Buy Nothing is an app and Facebook group that organizes neighborhoods to share items
  • Freecycle is a website where you can find items people are looking to part with (all free, not for sale)
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Keeping food out of the landfill is easier than ever in Princeton.

Here are three options to compost or recycle your food scraps:

  • Compost at home
  • Hire someone to pick up your food waste curbside
  • Join the free Municipal Food Scrap Drop-off Program
    • Residents of the municipality of Princeton can sign up for this program.
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Wishful recycling does more harm than good.

The Mercer County Improvement Authority manages all of the residential curbside recycling for Mercer County—which includes Princeton. Knowing what can (and can’t) be recycled reduces contamination which prevents recyclable items from being recycled. 


Got hard to recycle items?

  • Hazardous waste:
  • Electronic waste:
    • Staples will collect electronics and office items all year round
    • Find Wireless Alliance collection boxes in Monument Hall and 400 Witherspoon for cell phones & tablets (and accessories), printer cartridges, and batteries. All batteries from handheld devices are accepted. Batteries must have a small piece of tape placed on both ends to prevent electrical discharge during shipping.
    • Call2Recycle boxes at local stores allow you to drop off or ship certain batteries and cell phones. 
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Give your items to local people and organizations.

  • Offer items to neighbors through your local Buy Nothing group or on Freecycle
  • Donate clean items to a local organization:
  • Got a lot of stuff or can’t move your items? These organizations will come to you:
    • PickupPlease will come to your home to collect household items.
    • Helpsy will come to your home to collect large clothing donations of 3 or more bags

Investing in Sustainable Princeton is an investment in the heart of our community, our homes, our families, and our shared future. Your support empowers local initiatives that make Princeton a model town for sustainability, ensuring a healthy environment, a strong economy, and the well-being of all residents.