Recycle for Cornwall
The Recycle for Cornwall campaign has been developed to raise public awareness of recycling and to provide consumers with a compelling reason to recycle.

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  Waste Minimisation - at work  

What is Waste Minimisation?

The following section outlines some common definitions of waste minimisation.

Waste minimisation is about being efficient. By preventing waste and emissions at source all organisations can maximise output and increase profits. It is a process by which everyone gains; you can save money and the environment benefits too. (The Environment Agency)

Waste minimisation, also known as waste prevention and source reduction, is the design, purchase, manufacture or use of products and materials which reduce the amount of waste generated. Waste prevention is not recycling, which is an effective way to manage waste materials once they have been generated. Waste minimisation actually reduces the amount of raw material used and therefore the amount of wasted resources discarded. (Envirowise)

The term ‘waste minimisation’ is commonly used, but a strict definition does not exist and in particular the distinction between prevention and minimisation can be difficult. In the present report the OECD definition of waste minimisation will be applied. Figure 1 in the report shows the OECD definition of waste minimisation agreed at the Berlin meeting (4) in 1996. As it appears from this definition waste minimisation is a broader term than prevention. Waste prevention covers ‘prevention’, ‘reduction at source’ and ‘re-use of products’. Waste minimisation, however, also includes the waste management measures ‘quality improvements’ (such as reducing the hazard) and ‘recycling’. Case Studies on waste minimisation practices in Europe – European Environment Agency – Copenhagen 2002  – PDF Download.

Many businesses are still unaware of the cost of waste disposal. Yet with help from organisations such as  Envirowise , many companies could make substantial reductions in their waste, and therefore, disposal costs. It has been demonstrated that companies could save 1% of their turnover by implementing a systematic waste minimisation programme. Waste minimisation often results in substantial savings through reduced purchasing costs and more efficient practices. It also has wider environmental benefits such as reduced energy consumption and pollution, conservation of natural resources and extension of valuable landfill capacity. ( Envirowise ).