FAQ

Waste prevention means eliminating or reducing the amount or toxicity of waste. It includes purchasing items that are more durable, reusable and/or repairable, or diverting such items for beneficial reuse. In addition, waste prevention includes using items that have less packaging and/or are less toxic than alternative products and packaging. Waste prevention does not refer to using items that are recyclable or contain recycled material, nor to the diversion and collection of recyclables for processing.

This consultation is addressed to individuals and organisations that have an interest in greater resource efficiency, reducing the amount of waste being produced across the economy and reusing waste when it arises.

The Waste Prevention Programme aims to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste, by reducing overall impacts of resource use and improving the efficiency of such use.

We call on all parts of the economy to consider actions they themselves can take to reduce their own waste, and how the way they operate will have an impact on waste arisings later within the supply chain in order to achieve a shared vision for waste prevention and resource use. Effective waste prevention relies on actions being taken throughout the life of a product or material including design, distribution and use.