Reducing
What does it mean? This just means making less waste in the first place by buying less items or choosing items with the least amount of packaging.
How can I do it?
Look at packaging on different items. Usually, the items with a bigger quantity have less packaging (for example, a 1 litre bottle of pop creates less packaging waste compared to two 500ml bottles of pop)
When buying new items, ask yourself ‘do I really need this?’ and ‘how long will I use this for?’ and ‘do I already have something similar?’
Write a shopping list before heading to the supermarket, this way you only buy what you need and cause less food to be wasted.
Reducing our food waste is one of the easiest ways to start on your waste reduction journey (and it can help you save money too!) Read more of our food waste reduction tips on our Food Waste page.
Reusing
What does it mean? This is about extending the life of the stuff we already have. This includes using things again and again rather than a disposal/single use alternative, repurposing old items, repairing broken ones, passing on items we no longer want, and buying second-hand items.
How can I do it?
Reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags are a great place to start.
If you have an item of clothing, repair it, or alter it instead of throwing it away.
If you have clothes, toys, books, electricals etc. that you no longer want or need, pass them onto friends and family or donate them to charity.
Recycling
What does it mean? Recycling is the process of turning our waste into materials that can be used to make new things. Recycling should come after reducing and reusing.
How can I do it?
Check what you can recycle at home by checking your local Council’s website or using Recycle Now’s postcode recycling checker.
Rinse out any containers before adding them to recycling bins. This will help reduce contamination from food residues.
Breakdown any cardboard boxes before placing them in your bin. This way you can get more in, and it avoids it getting jammed when emptying.
Start a compost bin at home and turn your food and garden waste into nutrient rich plant food.