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When we think about turning waste into a resource, we are describing a circular economy. This is a systemic approach that disregards the 'take-make-waste' linear model and adopts a circular model where the value of products and materials is maintained in the economy for as long as possible.

Waste and resource use are minimised and when a product reaches the end of its life, it is repaired, refurbished, re-used or recycled to create further value.

To turn waste into a resource, waste management objectives must be aligned with the goals of a transition to a circular economy. In a circular economy, the waste industry becomes a key partner of businesses. In this way, high-quality waste streams are generated for recycling and recovery. The key waste streams are municipal waste, packaging waste, food waste, bio-waste, and critical raw materials.

Learn more on this topic in our Resource use and materials, and Waste and recycling webpages.