Meeting papers

Vision and Principles




                                                                                                               Waste Plan 2023-2028
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 HIERARCHY
                                                  maximum conservation
                             Avoid           1    of resources




                       T
                             Reuse 2 reusing materials




                     F
                            Recycle         3 recycling &
                                              reprocessing materials




                    A
                              Waste to
                                            4 energy  recovery prior




                   R
                               energy         to disposal

                                Disposal
                                            5 zero conservation




                 D
                                of waste      of resources




Avoid: The first and most important step in the waste hierarchy is waste avoidance. This involves
minimising waste generation at its source by reducing packaging, promoting sustainable
consumption patterns, and using resources efficiently. Avoidance prevents the creation of waste
in the first place.
Reuse: The next step in the waste hierarchy is the promotion of reuse. Reusing 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 lease on life. Examples of reuse include
donating unwanted clothing, using refillable water bottles, or buying second-hand furniture.
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.


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