What is the waste hierarchy?

The waste hierarchy is a way to rate waste management options by what is best for the environment.

Prevention

The waste hierarchy ranks waste prevention as the most preferred option when it comes to waste management.

This includes using fewer materials during manufacture, only buying what you need and using what you already have.

Reuse

The next best option is reuse. This is when products and materials are used many times, through maintenance and repair, as well as opting to borrow, rent or buy second-hand.

Recycling

Next up is recycling. This is when materials are turned into new products, therefore reducing the need for raw materials. This can include composting.

Recovery

After we have recycled as much as we can, the next best step is to recover energy from what is left. This includes anaerobic digestion (the process of turning food waste into energy or heat).

Disposal

The waste hierarchy ranks disposal as the worst option as it has the biggest impact on the environment. This is where waste is sent to landfill, or incineration without energy recovery.