Find another use for the item and re-use or re-purpose. Purchase less. Purchase 2nd hand or used. Sign up for recycling sites in your area like www.freecycle.org Educate others.
Of the Three Rs, you follow them in order; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Reducing your consumption is the biggest impact. Recycling is the one that gets the most hype though.
don't use it
