Waste - Why care? (United Kingdom)

SOER 2010 Common environmental theme (Deprecated)

Topics: Resource efficiency and waste

This page was archived on 21 Mar 2015 with reason: A new version has been published

SOER Common environmental theme from United Kingdom

Topic: Waste

Published: 26 Nov 2010 Modified: 11 May 2020

Waste represents a problem and an opportunity. Currently, production, consumption and waste disposal patterns in the UK are incompatible with sustainable living. Where waste ends up in landfill, the biodegradable part generates methane, yet valuable energy is used for extracting and processing new raw materials.

To reduce waste generation and increase sustainability, we need to make products with fewer natural resources and break the link between economic growth and waste growth. Most products should be re-used or their materials recycled. Energy should be recovered from other wastes where possible to obtain the maximum benefit.

The dividends of applying the waste hierarchy[1] will not just be environmental. We can save money by making products with fewer natural resources, and we can reduce the costs of waste treatment and disposal. Waste is a drag on the economy and business productivity. Improving the efficiency with which we use natural resources can generate new opportunities and jobs.

[1] The waste hierarchy is a framework that sets out the order in which options for waste management should be considered, based on environmental impact. This involves prevention of waste by meeting our needs using fewer natural resources followed by reuse of products consumed or their materials recycled. Energy should be recovered from remaining wastes where possible and disposal to landfill should only be necessary for small amounts of residual material.