How can we turn waste into a resource?

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 efficiency and waste webpages.