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Waste Minimisation

Recycling is good but it is not enough, we also need to Reduce and Reuse. This is also known as the waste hierarchy or the 3 R's:

Reduce:

Only buy what you need
Use a bag for life or reusable shopping bags
When shopping think about how to avoid packaging. e.g. buy loose fruit and vegetables
Buy products in refillable containers e.g. soap, washing up liquid, detergents. There are a few shops that stock such products such as Fairhaven in Letchworth and Harvest Moon in Hitchin
Avoid disposables such as batteries, raisers etc.: Don’t use paper plates or plastic cutlery or cups at parties. If you need you can hire glasses, plates etc.
To reduce junk mail, join the mail preference service by phoning 08457 034599 or by visiting mpsonline
To stop unwanted free newspapers phone the distribution department from the newspaper company concerned. Alternatively you can put a sticker / notice on your letter box saying so
Give experiences as presents such as massage vouchers, dinners out, and even your time e.g. for babysitting etc.
When packaging can't be avoided make sure you buy packaging that can be recycled such as paper, cardboard, glass etc.

Reuse:

Charity shops are almost completely run on reuse. Clear out at home: take any things which are still good to the charity shop or the clothing / shoe / book banks. This will help make money for the charity as well as helping to prevent waste
Some charities accept and sell used furniture. One such charity is Furniture Link. You can contact them by phoning 01462 683800 or by visiting Furniture Link. Some of these charities will also take electrical items in fully working condition such as washing machines, cookers, TVs, etc. Please check with each charity what they will accept.
Some charities accept computers such as Computer Aid, New Leaf, Community Technology and Recycle-it.co.uk
Reuse your carrier bags: take them to the supermarket when you go shopping instead of getting new ones each time
Pass your magazines onto your friends when you have finished reading them
Reuse paper both sides, reuse wrapping paper
Find new uses for items e.g. cut up plastic bottles - pots for plants
Use car boot sales and internet sales sites
To give away an unwanted item or get something you need second hand, all free of charge, visit Freecycle. Using Freecycle is a way of reusing your unwanted things by providing a means of offering it to other people who may need it instead of adding it to landfill sites.
When applicable repair items such as electrical appliances, clothes, shoes, toys etc.

Recycle:

Recycle your paper, glass, cans, cardboard, garden waste, plastic bottles, tetra paks, textiles etc. For more information visit our recycling points page.

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