The household waste we put into our bins is only the tip of the iceberg. For every tonne of household waste we produce, 5 tonnes of waste has already been created during the manufacturing stage and a further 20 tonnes were produced when the raw materials were initially extracted (e.g. by mining or deforestation). All types of manufacturing process, including recycling, lead to a certain amount of waste. Therefore reducing the amount of rubbish we create in the first place has more of an impact than just relying on recycling to provide ‘the answer’.
What can I do? Reducing Tips
Reducing Junk Mail
Each year UK householders can receive a large amount of unwanted mail that can often end up in the bin.
You can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted junk mail that comes through your letter box. Click here for more information.
Reduce packaging and throw away items
Try buying long life or refillable products, this can minimise the amount of rubbish that you generate.
Where possible try not to choose excessively packaged products and buy items in larger bottles and boxes to reduce the amount of packaging required.
Look to reduce the amount of food waste created by planning out your meals and buying only what you need. Why not take a shopping list with you to the supermarket so that you know what you want and need. For ideas on how to shop smartly and reduce waste click here.
Reduce the need for nappies
With over 7,500 babies born in Wiltshire each year and with each baby wearing five or six nappies a day, a large amount of landfill rubbish is generated. Why not save money and help the environment at the same time by using real nappies. Visit the real nappies campaign or check out the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's information and cash back scheme.
Recycling Directory
Volunteers and staff at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust have produced an online recycling directory. This is a guide to the many household items that can be reused and recycled locally and also includes tips for reducing your waste. Click here to access the recycling directory.
The household waste we put into our bins is only the tip of the iceberg. For every tonne of household waste we produce, 5 tonnes of waste has already been created during the manufacturing stage and a further 20 tonnes were produced when the raw materials were initially extracted (e.g. by mining or deforestation). All types of manufacturing process, including recycling, lead to a certain amount of waste. Therefore reducing the amount of rubbish we create in the first place has more of an impact than just relying on recycling to provide ‘the answer’. 
Each year UK householders can receive a large amount of unwanted mail that can often end up in the bin. 
