Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
What can you do with your rubbish?
More than 80% of rubbish produced in Kingston could be recycled or composted. We all play a part in creating this mountain of rubbish and must all take responsibility for tackling the problem. We need to reduce how much we buy whilst reusing and recycling more of our rubbish.
Each year, Britons throw away 28 million tonnes of rubbish from home -- the equivalent of half a million double decker buses. Over half of this waste can be recycled.
Unfortunately, waste is growing at around 6% each year in Kingston -- 3% above the national average.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Waste cannot be eliminated but we can reduce its environmental impact and make more sustainable use of the waste that is produced.
This is where reducing, reusing, and recycling waste products comes into effect.
The first step is creating less rubbish. Reducing the amount of waste you produce can save you time and money. Here are some ideas:
- avoid throwing away items such as disposable cameras, razors, lighters, cutlery and plates
- buy long lasting kitchen utensils, household products and clothing
- avoid excess packaging when choosing products or buy in bulk.
After reducing the amount of rubbish, the next step is to reuse. Here are some ideas:
- reuse containers e.g. glass jars and margarine tubs for storage
- take your own basket or carrier bags when you shop
- buy products with recycled content e.g. recycled paper products
- buy reusable nappies. See Real Nappies.
And finally... recycle. Making something old into something new. Again, here are some ideas:
- take old books, clothing and household items to a recycling bank
- use various recycling services provide by the Council to dispose of bottles, cans, and paper
- compost food and garden waste
- choose products with recyclable packaging.