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Waste: reduce, reuse, recycle

The Waste Hierarchy…because we don’t have a Planet B…

The waste hierarchy is a simple ranking system used for the different waste management options according to which is best for the environment. The preferred option is to prevent things becoming waste in the first place. The next best option is to, where possible, prioritise reusing products and materials before it becomes waste.

Simply put, waste causes pollution, contributes to climate change and uses more money, energy and natural resources than most of us realise. Making small changes in our everyday lives can make a powerful difference to the planet we call home. See below for our A-Z of how to reduce waste and reuse materials…

Our waste hierarchy

  • Prevention – Using less material in design and manufacture. Keeping products for longer; re-use. Using less hazardous materials.
  • Preparing for re-use – Checking, cleaning, repairing, refurbishing, whole item or spare parts.
  • Recycling – Turning waste into a new substance or product. Includes composting if it meets quality protocols.
  • recovery – Includes anaerobic digestion, incineration with energy recovery, gasification and pyrolysis which produce energy (fuels, heat and power) and materials from waste, some backfilling.
  • Disposal – Landfill and incineration without energy recovery.
Image showing the hierarchy for waste, prevention, reuse, recycle, recovery, disposal

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

When we take proactive steps to prevent waste from being generated in the first place, we ultimately end up with less waste. This reduction in waste translates into less need for product reuse and most importantly, less waste to dispose of. One way to prevent waste is to minimize the use of materials during the design, manufacturing, and packaging stages. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary waste from being generated.

Cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing items can significantly increase the number of things that can be reused. Reusing products is a better alternative to recycling because it saves the energy that would be required to dismantle and re-manufacture items. It also significantly reduces waste and pollution by reducing the need for raw materials, which in turn helps to conserve forests and water supplies. With the increasing availability of reusable alternatives to single-use products, reusing items has become more accessible than ever before.

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be discarded and turning them into new products. By recycling, we can reduce the need for extracting, refining, and processing raw materials, all of which contribute to significant air and water pollution. Furthermore, recycling saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping us to combat climate change.

You can use the search facility below to learn about how and where to recycle and A-Z list of materials and products that cannot be reused.

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Reduce

Home composting

Visit our dedicated home composting page to learn how to compost at home and to see our latest offers on compost bins. Learn about the benefits to you, your garden and the environment.

Love Food Hate Waste campaign

The Love Food Hate Waste campaign is a national initiative aimed at getting us all to avoid wasting food. The website provides advice on using leftover food, date labels and the best ways to store food, plus much more.

Reuse

Local reuse schemes

We want to encourage residents to take advantage of these schemes in order to maximise reuse and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Please see below for more information on the reuse schemes in our area.

Some things to think about when you contact any of the furniture reuse groups to request a collection are:

  • are the items in good or reasonable condition and fit for reuse?
  • if the items are soft furnishings, for example settees and mattresses, do they have a fire label attached to them? If not, they cannot be reused by the groups
  • if the item is electrical, is it in good working order? If not, it cannot be reused by the groups

British Heart Foundation

A free collection service for any good quality furniture and electrical items within North Lincolnshire.

Collection will normally be made within three working days and you will be advised of your collection day when you call.

If you are not at home on your collection day the items will need to be left outside (preferably covered up) with a note confirming that it is for donation to the British Heart Foundation scheme.

If you are at home on collection day, the items will be collected from inside your property.

The items collected are sold at the shop in Scunthorpe and all proceeds go towards preventing and fighting heart disease.

To request a collection from the British Heart Foundation call 01724 245410.

Alternatively you can request a BHF collection online.

British Heart Foundation can also arrange house clearance for a charge.

Sue Ryder

A free collection service for any good quality furniture within North Lincolnshire.

All items collected are sold in the Sue Ryder shop.

To request a collection from the Sue Ryder shop, call 01724 848643 and you will be advised of your collection day.

Alternatively you can request a Sue Ryder collection online.

Crosby Community Association

A free collection service for any good quality furniture within North Lincolnshire.
To request a collection from the Crosby Community Association call 01724 330022 and you will be advised of your collection day over the phone.

Crosby Community Association can also arrange house clearances.

Charity shops

There are a variety of charity shops throughout North Lincolnshire that are able to take reusable items such as clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac, music, books and homewares.

Disclaimer

The reuse groups listed are not under the control of North Lincolnshire Council. We have no control over the nature, content or availability of their services.

The inclusion of any links or logo does not necessarily imply a recommendation of the service or endorse the views expressed in any literature or website published by the reuse groups.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage arising out of, or in connection with, the use of these services including, without limitation, any indirect or consequential loss or damage.

Recycle

Use the recycle locator below to find where you can recycle certain items.

What happens next to waste and recycling

Please visit our what happens next to waste and recycling for details of what happens to the contents of your bins and boxes.

Check your bin collection day

A Green Future

We are all working together to protect our environment, end our contribution to climate change and benefit from the wealth of the natural and economic opportunities we have in North Lincolnshire. Read more about A Green Future, what the council is doing and what you can do to contribute to protecting our environment. Make a pledge to show your commitment. It doesn’t matter how big or small, all changes add up to a big impact.

Make a pledge

Contact

customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk

01724 297000