REDUCE

Wherever possible creation of waste should be avoided / minimised from the outset. This level of the hierarchy should include home composting.

RE-USE

Where waste is created (and this is unavoidable) its re-use should be encouraged as far as possible to prevent it entering the waste stream. Examples of re-use include returnable container schemes and repair of a wide range of items.

RECYCLE

Unavoidable waste should be recycled. Measures such as centralised composting and, possibly, anaerobic digestion is also included in this hierarchy level.

ENERGY RECOVERY

Once measures have been taken to ensure the least possible residue of waste remains, where appropriate, this may be treated by waste-to-energy technology to generate usable energy.

FINAL DISPOSAL

The residue from the preceding levels will still require disposal by an environmentally sound method that will almost certainly be landfill.