Reducing, reusing and recycling keep materials out of landfills, conserve natural resources, save energy and reduce water and air pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. In 1995, New Jersey generated 16.7 million tons of waste. In 2016, that amount rose to 22.7 tons. Though recycling has made a major difference in reducing certain types of waste that goes to landfills, the recycling market has been in an unprecedented slump in recent years, due to decreased global demand for recyclable materials. Now more than ever, it is crucial for local communities to prioritize waste reduction by not creating waste to begin with. Nevertheless, reuse and recycling remain crucial parts of the solution. Reuse refers to repurposing items or using alternatives to disposable items, such as rechargeable batteries or second-hand clothes. Recycling converts waste into usable materials. Municipalities and counties should work with each other and the state to navigate the new market realities and help New Jersey reach its statewide goal to recycle 50 percent of municipal solid waste, 60 percent of overall waste and reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030. In 2016 (the most recently available data), New Jersey recycled 44 percent of its nearly 10 million tons of municipal solid waste, falling just short of the State goal.