Waste Minimisation

How to minimise your waste ... Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

In the past we have disposed of our waste by dumping it in landfills. This is now largely viewed as an unsustainable method of waste disposal. Landfill sites generate polluting effluents and methane (a climate altering greenhouse gas). Managing these sites is becoming costly and people do not want to live near to them. Also we are now running out of landfill capacity in some parts of the country.

Increasingly therefore, we are recycling waste and incinerating it to generate energy. However, there is another option; that of waste prevention, which is the prevention of waste being generated in the first place. This is the best environmental option. As the quantity of waste being generated increases, we need to examine ways we can act to stop waste being created at home. This is known as waste minimisation or prevention. There will always be a need for some landfilling, however waste minimisation, along with recycling and energy generation, are being seen as potential solutions to our society's increasing waste problem.

Local authorities have to pay to dispose of householder's rubbish. The cost of this service is included in Council Tax payments made by residents. By reducing the quantity of household waste, you will not only be helping improve the environment, you will also be helping to control the growth of your Council Tax.

More information about Waste Minimisation can be found on the Environment Agency website.

How to Reduce or Prevent Waste