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The waste hierarchy is a concept that provides a framework within which the most desirable waste management options are set out.

The hierarchy options are: Reduce - Reuse - Recycle.

Waste Minimisation/Reduction
Waste that is not created in the first place does not need to be reused, recycled or disposed of, and is therefore the most environmentally desirable option. Householders can easily reduce the amount of waste they produce by making informed choices about what to buy and how much packaging to accept.

Reuse
Waste reuse involves the multiple use of a product in its original form, with or without reconditioning, for its original or an alternative purpose - e.g. refilling plastic bottles or recharging batteries.

Recycling
Using waste materials in manufacturing other products. In this way, value is recovered and domestic waste becomes a useful input into another process.

Disposal to landfill
This is only an option if none of the other options is appropriate. If biodegradable waste is landfilled, energy recovery through methane capture should be considered.

Incineration without energy recovery is not normally considered to be a viable option.

 

This information is provided by the Waste Management Department