Waste hierarchy

Waste hierarchy refers to the "3 Rs" reduce, reuse and recycle, which classify waste management strategies according to their desirability in terms of waste minimisation. The waste hierarchy remains the cornerstone of most waste minimisation strategies. The aim of the waste hierarchy is to extract the maximum practical benefits from products and to generate the minimum amount of waste.

Overview

The waste hierarchy refers to the "3 Rs" which are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It classifies waste management strategies into five general categories from the most desirable to least desirable methods. The hierarchy places emphasis on reducing, reusing and recycling as key to sustainable waste management.

The 3 Rs

The "3 Rs" represent the three most important strategies for waste management. They are:

• Reduce: This involves the design of products to reduce the amount of waste that will later need to be thrown away. It also involves the sustainable use of resources.
• Reuse: This involves the repeated use of items or parts of items which still have usable aspects.
• Recycle: This involves the use of waste itself as resources, like processing used materials into new products.

Waste hierarchy stages

The waste hierarchy consists of five stages:

1. Prevention: Making less waste in the first place. For example, by doing a waste audit.
2. Minimisation: Reducing unnecessary waste, for example, by choosing to use less packaging.
3. Reuse: Using items repeatedly. For example, using a travel mug for coffee instead of a disposable one.
4. Recycling: Turning waste into a new substance or product. Includes composting if it meets quality protocols.
5. Disposal: This is the least preferable option and should only be considered for waste that cannot be prevented, reused or recycled.

See also

• Waste management
• Sustainable development
• Environmental sustainability
• Resource recovery
• Waste minimisation

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