what can you do?

There are a number of ways to reduce and recycle rubbish in the home, and at school. In most cases it is better to choose items which create less rubbish, for example goods without excessive packaging.

Use our waste diary to record your rubbish.

Click on the areas below for more ideas of how you can help cut down on the amount of rubbish you produce. You could reduce the rubbish in your bin by over 50%.

Reduce

• don't buy heavily packed goods
• buy 'loose' food rather than pre-packaged
• stop junk mail and faxes through the Mailing Preference Service
• cancel delivery of unwanted newspapers, donate old magazines to waiting rooms
• use your own shopping bags when visiting the supermarket or use the doorstep delivery service
• grow your own vegetables. Many varieties can be grown in small gardens
• use a nappy laundry service, and save disposable ones for holidays and long journeys
• take a packed lunch to work or school in a reusable plastic container

Reuse

• reuse carrier bags. Each person in the UK uses an average of 134 plastic bags each year
• reuse scrap paper for writing notes, etc
• reuse envelopes - stick labels over the address
• rent or borrow items you don't use very often - e.g. party decorations and crockery. Some supermarkets hire out glasses for parties, saving on disposable cups
• donate old computer and audio visual equipment to community groups or schools
• buy rechargeable items instead of disposable ones e.g. batteries and cameras
• buy things in refillable containers e.g. washing powders
• buy concentrated products which use less packaging
• take old clothes and books to charity shops, or have a car boot sale
• look for long lasting (and energy efficient) appliances when buying new electrical items - ensure these are well-maintained to increase product life cycle

Recycle

• choose products in packaging which you know can be recycled
• compost - lots of kitchen waste can be composted. Contact your local council for details of local composting schemes and details of any compost bin sales. Click here for further advice on composting in your garden
• buy products made from recycled materials. Most supermarkets now stock a wide range of these items, click here for some examples
• find out where your nearest recycling facilities are by clicking here