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Waste and recycling

Overview

Taking action on waste is essential. We consume natural resources at an unsustainable rate and contribute unnecessarily to climate change. Each year we generate about 100 million tonnes of waste from households, commerce and industry.

Most of this ends up in landfill, where biodegradable waste generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. And much valuable energy is used up in making new products which are later disposed of, also contributing to climate change.

Remember. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

The government's Act on CO2 campaign is encouraging householders to rethink what we put in our bins and help to cut the amount that goes to landfill.

Could you reduce waste by menu-planning, finding a new home for things you no longer want, or recycling leftover paint, engine oil or batteries?

Find out more about reusing and recycling in your local area on the Act on CO2 website, and listen to our radio ads – made from recycled clips of course!

Latest news

5 November 2009

29 October 2009

23 October 2009 - Final report on Household Waste Prevention Evidence Review - WR1204

15 October 2009

13 October 2009

Further information

For further information on various issues surrounding waste, see the following sections:

Page last modified: 10 November 2009
Page published: 5 February 2003