Understanding Waste Management

Reduce

Waste avoidance is about reducing the amount of waste being generated at the source. Avoiding waste = no waste. Because source reduction actually prevents the generation of waste in the first place, it is the most preferable method of waste management. For example, the general community can reduce waste by purchasing in bulk - this often reduces the amount of packaging material that accompanies the product. In Australia, the National Packaging Covenant actively encourages waste reduction, by encouraging packaging and manufacturing businesses to develop and implement their own waste reduction plans - initiatives such as the 'light weighting' of containers, to reduce the amount of material which is used.

Reuse

Using a product more than once, either for the same purpose or for a different purpose reduces waste. Items may be repaired for your own reuse, given to a friend, donated or sold. Reusing is preferable to recycling, as an item does not require reprocessing before it can be used again - this reduces the demands on our resources and environment. There are many examples of reuse opportunities - from 'Tip Shops' to the local charity 'Op-Shop'. This website provides a guide in the Services Guide section. Contact us if you have any useful hints to add.

Recycle

Recycling is a widely accepted approach to waste management, however it ranks below reduce and reuse in the hierarchy, because considerable reprocessing is required. Recycling is easier than reduction and reuse, because it does not require us to change our 'throw-away' lifestyle. Nevertheless, recycling will remain an important aspect of waste management, turning materials such as glass, metal, plastics and paper into new materials and products. Studies in Australia (Nolan - SKM - EnvirosRIS, 2001) have estimated that the net benefit of kerbside recycling in Australia is some $266 million per year. This does not include the social benefit due to employment generated by the recycling industry.

There are other forms of reprocessing, which are sometimes thought of separately from recycling. In principle, they differ only in that the reprocessed products are generally of lower value, so that careful attention must be paid to factors such as transport and reprocessing cost, to ensure there is a net benefit to the community.

For example, it is better economically and for the environment, to compost your garden and food wastes at home, rather than to transport them to a central facility.

Responsible Disposal

The fourth 'R'. When all else fails, we all have some waste to dispose of. The facilities and services exist to help you dispose of your waste for a reasonable cost. Contact your local Council if you have any queries about the alternatives - some Councils will provide larger bins at extra cost, or can advise about on-call user-pays collection services for that big one-off disposal problem. But remember, it is your responsibility.

The disposal of waste in an irresponsible manner, is known as Littering - a separate subject.