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Introduction
The UK produces more than 225 million tonnes of waste each year, from municipal, commercial and industrial, construction and demolition sources.
The types of waste we produce, the way we manage waste, and the way we transport it, all impact on the environment. While waste cannot be completely eliminated, we can reduce its environmental impact by preventing waste from being created wherever possible, and by sustainably disposing of the waste that is produced. Waste generated should be reused and recycled, transforming it from a problem into a resource.
Waste arisings result in continued environmental degradation. For example, pollution associated with waste may include methane emissions from decomposition processes, and landfill and incinerator emissions. On the other hand, waste minimisation and greater re-use and recycling could reduce landfill and the associated negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable waste management may also have wider benefits. For example, where activities such as recycling are part of community-based projects, this may benefit social cohesion and reinforce positive messages on sustainable development.
The types of waste we produce, the way we manage waste, and the way we transport it, all impact on the environment. While waste cannot be completely eliminated, we can reduce its environmental impact by preventing waste from being created wherever possible, and by sustainably disposing of the waste that is produced. Waste generated should be reused and recycled, transforming it from a problem into a resource.
Waste arisings result in continued environmental degradation. For example, pollution associated with waste may include methane emissions from decomposition processes, and landfill and incinerator emissions. On the other hand, waste minimisation and greater re-use and recycling could reduce landfill and the associated negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable waste management may also have wider benefits. For example, where activities such as recycling are part of community-based projects, this may benefit social cohesion and reinforce positive messages on sustainable development.
