Not producing waste in the first place benefits the environment even more than recycling. Making recycled products still requires energy and reduces pollution, although less than using primary raw materials.

Top tips for reducing the amount of waste you produce

•  Buy goods with minimum packaging such as loose vegetables rather than pre-packed. Buy in bulk to help save packaging, when it makes sense
• Try to buy refillable packs and concentrated products where you can
• Reuse carrier bags - take your own shopping bags to the supermarket or get a bag for life to use again and again. See reusable shopping bags.
• Stop junk mail - you can stop junk mail coming through your door by writing to Mailing Preference services, Freepost 22, London, W1E 7EZ or tel 0207 2913310
• Nappies - consider using 'real nappies', rather than disposable ones. The UK disposes of about 800,000 tonnes of nappies every year, costing local authorities £40 million. Real nappies now use Velcro fastenings - no pins required, and many areas have a nappy laundering service.
• Recycle Yellow Pages - don't throw your old Yellow Pages away. We provide skips annually when the new edition is distributed where Yellow Pages can be taken for recycling. Contact us for further information.
• Spectacles - donate your old glasses to people with poor eyesight in the Third World. Ring vision Aid Overseas on tel: 01293 535016
• Batteries - reduce the number of batteries you throw away by using the mains electricity supply where you can or using rechargeable batteries - rechargeable batteries may last 500 times longer than normal batteries!
• Avoid using disposable items such as tissues, paper and plastic plates and cutlery, dishcloths, cameras and serviettes. Glasses and plates for parties can be hired.
• Avoid using cling film and aluminium foil to store food. Put it in reusable boxes with lids or reuse margarine and other containers.
• Don't throw goods away before the end of their useful life.
• Donate unwanted items to community groups or charities. See community recycling schemes.

Reuse

Reusing materials reduces the need to manufacture more products - saving resources and energy and reducing pollution.

Recovery

Recycling and composting waste protects the environment in many ways:

• scarce natural resources and energy are saved
• pollution from waste disposal is reduced
• wildlife habitats are protected from exploitation

We could recycle or compost 70% of our waste.

City of York Council average bin contents (MEL Research):

• Metals 4%
• Glass 3%
• Plastics 14%
• Other 28% (includes textiles)
• Kitchen & garden waste 32%
• Paper & cardboard 19%

Recycling works in a cycle:

1. Products designed so they are easy to recycle
2. Consumers choosing products that are easy to recycle (eg. glass)
3. Using recycling facilities
4. Consumers choosing to buy recycled products wherever possible

Disposal

By reducing, reusing and recycling our waste, the need for landfill is minimised, saving space and reducing pollution.