In 2019, the waste sector accounted for around 4% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions. According to a waste composition analysis in Wirral during 2021/22, the average total kerbside waste collected per household was 400.9kg, and the recycling rate was 32.3% - below the national average of 44%.
The Waste Management Hierarchy
To reduce the impacts of our waste on the planet we need to apply the principles of the waste management hierarchy. This ranks the waste management options in terms of what is best for the environment, with prevention being the best option and disposal being the worst.
Prevent
The best way to prevent waste is not to produce it in the first place. Before you buy, take time to think if you really need the item, and don’t get drawn into buying things in the sale or in 2-4-1 promotions. Consider if you are able to borrow or hire the item, or buy it second hand. There are lots of vintage or pre-loved shops and auctions where you can find what you want at a lower price.
Could you buy more sustainable products? For example, buy loose fruit and veg, or could you get your broken electrical items repaired by a local supplier or repair café. Using circular economy principles can stop waste being produced in the first place (see the video below).
An easy way to start is by using reusable bags for shopping trips and making yourself a zero-waste kit; instead of buying your lunch take a reusable bottle or coffee cup, make lunch at home and store it in a reusable lunch box.
Reuse
If you have something that is no longer wanted and it is still in good condition, instead of sending it to landfill, why not pass it onto someone who can use it. Charity shops, auction sites and local reuse websites such as freecycle allow you to pass on your good quality items to local people who will use them.
Can you reuse your own bottles and jars? There are lots of companies now who allow you to refill your empty containers with their products. Find more ‘green’ local companies on the Mersey Green Network Map.
The average UK household is hiding away 20 unwanted electricals, and we discard 155,000 tonnes of electricals each year. These discarded or hoarded household electricals cost the UK economy £370 million per year of lost valuable raw materials such as gold, copper, aluminium and steel. By recycling our old electricals we could cut as much CO2 as taking 1.3 million cars off the road!
Find out how to sell, donate or recycle your old electricals.
Recycle
If you need to throw something away, then remember to use your recycling bin and Wirral recycling centres to stop waste going to landfill. Be careful to ensure your recycling isn’t contaminated with food stuff and is left loose (i.e. not in bin bags) as this can ruin entire loads of recycling.
If you need a reminder about what you can recycle on Wirral visit Recycle Right for a full list. Some items and materials are harder to recycle. But don’t worry, services like Terracycle have programmes for recycling these difficult to recycle items. Check out their website to find out what they can recycle and local drop off points in Wirral.
Read further information on all things waste and recycling on Wirral, including finding your nearest tip (recycling centre) and recycling banks.
Lastly, if you are interested in more information on reducing waste, visit the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s Zero Waste website which tips and resources, as well as the Liverpool City Region’s strategy for ensuring the region is zero waste by 2040.