The Waste-Wise Action Plan

UNDERSTAND, REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE and RESPONSIBLY DISPOSE...

These are five steps you can take to create a waste-wise home.

Other than minimising waste, you will also be closing the loop and contributing to a reduction in landfill gas.

 

UNDERSTAND. Understanding your waste patterns helps you to identify the most useful actions for your home.  There are two stages to understanding your waste habits: the first is to audit or measure what you throw away; the second is to find out what your largest waste impacts are, to help you focus on where your actions will matter most. To understand your waste patterns, visit:

 

REDUCE. Take all the actions you can take to reduce the waste you generate every day. Waste-reducing actions are simple, free or low-cost actions to avoid and minimise waste. To find out more, visit:

 

RE-USE. Many of the things we throw away can be re-used, from packaging to building materials. Re-using items is a terrific way to get more out of an item as well as avoid the energy and water use that some items take to produce. For re-use tips, visit:

 

RECYCLE. Many of the things that cannot be re-used can in fact be recycled. Recycling allows materials to be remade or converted to a new product. Composting and worm farms are a great way to recycle your kitchen, garden and newspaper waste and feed your plants. To find out more about recycling and its benefits, visit:

 

RESPONSIBLE DISPOSAL. What you throw into a rubbish bin should not include recycling and kitchen waste. There are also things that do not belong in the bin because they are hazardous or toxic to human and environmental health.  To find out more about responsible disposal, visit: