Waste Minimisation: Why and How?

Why do we need to minimise our waste production?


It is estimated that every Australian produces approximately 1000kg of waste each year (EPA), with most of this being sent to landfill. This rate of waste production is simply not sustainable.

Disposal of waste can lead to many environmental problems. It is possible for pollution of surrounding environments to occur if waste is not disposed of correctly. Even with strict guidelines, noise, dust and odour associated with waste disposal can cause pollution of soil, air and water in areas close to waste disposal sites.

Loss of the earth’s natural resources is another environmental problem associated with waste. Many natural resources are in limited supply, with great volumes of these resources being sent to landfill in the waste stream. It is important that we conserve these natural resources to ensure their availability for years to come. Minimising waste is an easy way to do this.

Decomposition of waste in landfill produces the greenhouse gas, methane. Methane is 21 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide and can have detrimental effects on the environment. By decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfill, the production of methane can also be reduced.

Landfill sites are both expensive and difficult to come by. It is necessary that extra precautions are taken when it comes to the design and construction of landfill sites to make certain that minimum damage is caused to the surrounding environment. These extra measures come with an increased cost. Additionally, landfill sites must be located at a large enough distance from residents to not cause issues, yet in close enough proximity that disposal costs are still kept low.

It is easy to see that there are numerous environmental, economic and social benefits of reducing waste production. These include:

  • Reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill 
  • Conserving natural resources 
  • Saving money 
  • Decreasing pollution and litter 
  • Increasing the efficiency of production

The Waste Hierarchy


Following the waste hierarchy is a fundamental step in decreasing waste production. It is important to deal with waste in the correct order of preference to ensure that every step is being taken to minimise waste and its effect on the environment.

1. Avoid – Avoid creating waste all together.

2. Reduce – Making less waste.

3. Reuse – Use items more than once.

4. Recycle – Materials are reprocessed into new items.

5. Dispose – Disposal of waste into landfill.

Avoid and Reduce


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Reuse 

  • Reuse plastic bags and containers 
  • Look for products in reusable or refillable containers 
  • Donate unwanted furniture and clothes to charity stores 
  • Avoid single use items 
  • Carry lunch in a reusable container instead of wrapping in plastic 
  • Use both sides of the paper and reuse items such as envelopes

Recycle 

  • Place all recyclable items into the recycling bin

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Dispose 

  • Only send to landfill what cannot be reused or recycled

How to reduce impacts of waste on the environment?


There are some simple steps that everyone can take to start minimising the amount of waste they produce, thus reducing the effects of our waste on the environment. 

  • Follow the waste hierarchy – Be sure to deal with waste in the order of preference 
  • Be a smart consumer by purchasing low or no waste products or products made from recycled content 
  • Give unwanted items of clothing to charity stores 
  • Choose reusable items 
  • Reuse and recycle items whenever possible 
  • Start a worm farm or compost organic waste to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and the production of greenhouse gases 
  • Make informed decisions about the products you purchase 
  • Conserve natural resources 
  • Be waste smart