FINAL WASTE PLAN 2023 - 2028 · Attachment 1: From Waste to Resource Waste Plan 2023-28

Principles                                                 The waste hierarchy refers to a set of principles setting priorities for the management and
                                                           reduction of waste. It has been adopted worldwide and promoted by international bodies,
                                                           such as the European Union and the United Nations. The waste hierarchy principles underpin
                                                           the Waste Plan and provide a framework for waste management practices encouraging
                                                           avoidance, reusing, recycling, waste to energy, and as a last resort - disposal of waste.




The Waste Heirachy
                                                                                   Avoid:The first and most important step in the waste hierarchy is waste
                                                  maximum conservation
 01 - avoid                                       of resources
                                                                                   avoidance. This involves minimising waste generation at its source by reducing
                                                                                   packaging, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, and using resources
                                                  reusing materials                efficiently. Avoidance prevents the creation of waste in the first place.
 02 - Reuse
                                                  recycling & reprocessing         Reuse:The next step in the waste hierarchy is the promotion of reuse. Reusing
 03 - Recycle                                     materials
                                                                                   items or products extends their lifespan and reduces the need for new products.
                                                                                   This can involve repairing, refurbishing, or repurposing items to give them a new
                                                  energy recovery prior to         lease on life. Examples of reuse include donating unwanted clothing, using refillable
 04 - recovery                                    disposal                         water bottles, or buying second-hand furniture.

                                                  zero conservation of
 05 - disposal                                    resources
                                                                                   Recycle:Recycling converts waste materials into new products or materials.
                                                                                   This step involves collecting, sorting, and processing waste materials to extract
                                                                                   valuable resources for manufacturing. In Australia, various recycling programs exist
                                                                                   for materials like paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metals. Recycling reduces the
                                                                                   need for virgin resources, saves energy, and decreases the amount of waste sent to
                                                                                   landfills.

                                                                                   Recovery:If waste cannot be avoided, reused, or recycled, the next step is
                                                                                   recovery. Recovery involves extracting energy through processes such as energy
                                                                                   recovery by generating a gas and/or heat which can be utlised as a source for
                                                                                   power/fuel - and offset the need for energy generated from fossil fuels.

                                                                                   Disposal:The final step of the waste hierarchy is disposal, which includes
                                                                                   methods such as landfilling. Disposal is the last resort - only when all other options
                                                                                   have been exhausted.


From Waste to Resource | Waste Plan 2023 - 2028                                                                                                                             20