WASTE

WHAT HAPPENS TO WASTE
That people produce waste is a fact of life we cannot change. However, we can change how much we produce,
how we manage it and what we do with it. Indeed, managing waste in a sustainable way, optimising recycling and re-use,
as well as limiting production, forms a core part of Government policy to protect the environment.
This page outlines what is in place to help local authorities reach their targets,
some of the support available for businesses to manage their waste more effectively,
and how everyone can play a part in ensuring we work together towards a future much less reliant on sending
vast amounts of waste to landfill.
WHAT IS WASTE
There is no definitive list of what is and is not waste.
Whether or not a substance is discarded as waste - and when waste ceases to be waste - a
re matters that must be determined on the facts of the case and the interpretation of
the law is a matter for the Courts. It rests, in the first place, with the producer or holder of a substance
to decide whether it is being discarded as waste and the Environment Agency is responsible,
as a "competent authority", for the enforcement of waste management controls in England and Wales.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued several judgments on the interpretation of the definition
of waste and the meaning of "discard". ECJ judgements are binding on Member States and their competent authorities.
A summary of ECJ judgements on the interpretation of the definition of waste has been published.

RECYCLING- FACTS AND FIGURES

UK households produced 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, of which 17% was collected for recycling (source: defra.gov.uk). This figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some recycling over 50% of their waste. There is still a great deal of waste which could be recycled that ends up in landfill sites which is harmful to the environment.

Recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment. Did you know that:

• 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
• 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
• 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
• 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.

INTERESTING FACTS

Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled.

The unreleased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5,000 hours.

The largest lake in the Britain could be filled with rubbish from the UK in 8 months.

On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish.

As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted.

Up to 80% of a vehicle can be recycled.

9 out of 10 people would recycle more if it were made easier.