The waste hierarchy refers to the Three Rs of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
This diagram has taken many forms over the past years but the principle remains the same: the categories at the top of the piramid are preferable and the options at the bottom are least desirable.
Reduce: waste minimization should be the most important strategy in waste management as it is preferable not to produce waste in the first place. You can achieve this by buying less and using less. Some ideas that you can easily implement include composting and reusable nappies.
Reuse: an item’s life should be extended by using it and reusing it as much as possible. Initiatives include Freeuse and using Charity Shops.
Recycling: items are converted into new products. You can find out more about recycling in Leicester in our Recycling Pages.
Landfilling should always be the last option.
