In this report

Reports:

Minimising waste

Think about what you’re buying. Are the batteries for your MP3 player rechargeable? Can you refill your printer cartridges? Is there too much packaging on that brand of moisturiser/cereal/kid’s toy? Do you need a plastic bag – why not take your own?
Look for products with an independently certified eco-label such as Environmental Choice.
Compost food waste or set up a “worm” farm if space is tight. Around 45 percent of the average domestic rubbish bag is kitchen and garden waste.
Re-use and recycle where possible. Most areas have recycling facilities for paper, glass, plastics (grades 1 and 2) and cans.

An estimated 8.7 million tonnes of solid waste is produced each year. Of this, we recycle 2.4 million tonnes; 3.1 million ends up in “cleanfills” (disposal sites for inert waste); and 3.2 million is dumped in landfills.
Eleven percent of landfill waste is potentially hazardous. A significant portion of total hazardous waste also gets poured down drains and ends up in wastewater treatment stations.
Around 55 percent of landfill waste comes from business and industry.
By weight, around 12 percent of the average rubbish bag is estimated to be packaging. But because packaging is often very light, it can take up a lot of space. Ministry for the Environment figures suggest it can make up to half the rubbish bag.