Reduce

What does 'reduce' mean?

Waste reduction means taking steps to decrease the amount of waste that we produce. For example, you can refuse a carrier bag when you buy an item that is small or easy to carry. Reduce is the first level of the waste hierarchy

Waste that is not created in the first place does not need to be reused, recycled or disposed of, so preventing or reducing waste is the most sustainable and environmentally beneficial thing you can do with your waste.

Reducing your waste is a good thing to do because it:

Saves the Earth's natural resources.
Saves energy and reduces the risk of climate change.
Reduces the need for landfill.

In 2007, the then Scottish Executive published the Waste Prevention Action Plan. This is a 20 point plan that outlines objectives to stop the growth of household waste in Scotland by 2010.

Ways you can reduce your waste:

Food Waste Waste Aware Unwanted Mail

Unwanted Mail

Home Composting

Positive Packaging

Other things you can do...

Buy wind-up torches, radios and toys to reduce battery waste
Repair damaged clothes
Hire items that you will only use occasionally e.g. garden strimmer, wallpaper stripper
Buy gift experiences such as a massage or meal, rather than an unwanted pair of socks

You can find details of local and national outlets that offer products and services to help you reduce waste at our Sort It website.