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Defra has published Prevention is better than cure, setting out the new Waste Prevention Programme for England and articulating the actions for government and others which together will move us towards reducing waste.
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The aim of the Waste Prevention Programme for England is to improve the environment and protect human health by supporting a resource efficient economy, reducing the quantity and impact of waste produced whilst promoting sustainable economic growth.
Waste affects us all and everyone has a role to play in reducing how much waste is created. Using resources more efficiently, designing and manufacturing products for optimum life and repairing and reusing more items could save us all money and provide opportunities for economic growth at the same time as improving the environment.
Launching the programme Resource Management Minister Dan Rogerson said:
“Preventing waste from being produced in the first place is not only good for the environment, but for the economy and household budgets too.
“That’s why we are making it easier for people to find out where they can get things repaired or pass on things they no longer use.
“Everyone has a role to play in reducing waste and I want to see businesses helping consumers and the environment by designing products to last longer and using resources better.”
Roles and actions
Prevention is better than cure sets out the government’s view of the key roles and actions which should be taken to move towards a more resource efficient economy.
The government has already taken steps to help reduce waste, such as the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, which helps people reduce the amount of food waste they produce, while the Courtauld Commitment helps companies reduce the amount of packaging they use.
The Waste Prevention Programme builds on the success of these initiatives, encouraging and supporting action by businesses and consumers to benefit from waste prevention.
As well as describing the actions the government is taking to support this move, the programme highlights actions businesses, the wider public sector, the civil society and consumers can take to benefit from preventing waste.
The role of business
Businesses are being urged to design products that last longer, contain fewer hazardous parts and to use resources better in a drive to save money, boost the economy and protect the environment. A new Sustainable Electrical Action Plan will be developed to encourage businesses to design products to last longer.
Research shows that businesses can make £18 billion in annual savings by taking simple steps to produce less waste.
Household savings from cutting waste
Householders can make savings by cutting waste, managing resources better and passing on items they no longer want for others to use. Reusing products such as household appliances and furniture could save households £1 billion each year and help create jobs.
A new £800,000 Community Partnership Fund will be made available to help local authorities, business and civil society organisations take action on waste prevention. In addition, a new postcode locator will help people find out where they can get things repaired or pass on things for others to buy.
Further reading
- Waste prevention programme for England: further information and documents available to download