Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Information Sheet
This information sheet contains details and tips on the three Rs: reduce, reuse,
recycle.
Recycling is important, but trends demonstrate that even as Australia has been
increasing its recycling, it has also been increasing its waste to landfill, as well as
associated wastes such as transportation and packaging. With a little thought, we
can throw out less rubbish overall, through reducing the waste we produce, reusing
what we have, and recycling what is left.
BENEFITS OF WASTE REDUCTION

conservation of resources, such as energy, petroleum, habitats, and minerals.

conservation of money; reduction of waste saves money on disposal, and
reduces the cost of production.

reduces environmental impact; by reducing, reusing and recycling, less virgin
areas are impacted by mining and deforestation, less emissions are produced,
less toxins are released, and less fuel is consumed.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Do I need it?
Can I borrow it?
Can I repair what I already have?
If I buy it, how long will it last?
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City of Nedlands
Energy Efficiency Information Sheet
REDUCE:
Through reduction and living simply, there is less rubbish to discard later. They key is
to avoid waste, so keep an eye out for ways of producing and using goods that stop
waste generation. Some simple ways to achieve this are:

Making foods at home

Purchasing products with minimal packaging to reduce immediately discarded
rubbish

Purchasing some items in bulk (but don't buy more than you can consume),
particularly items that do not deteriorate quickly such as rice, lentils and nuts;
and bringing your own bags. Some shops let you bring in your own jars, which
they weigh before you fill.

Growing your own vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers

Avoiding disposables where possible

Hiring and sharing items rather than buying, where possible

Remembering your reusable bags when shopping

Preferencing goods made from recycled products – many products have
recycled alternatives, you can by recycled paper, toilet paper, glass and
plastic!

Buy second-hand where possible

Cancel junk mail (and local papers if you never read them)
REUSE:
Reusing involves using something more than once, and can be a great means of
saving money and time, reducing disposables going to landfill. There are many
options for reuse around the home, office and at school. A quick internet search can
reveal many more ideas, but here are a few:

Reuse empty glass jars for grains, flour, bulk snacks such as nuts and dried
fruit, or homemade jams.

Reuse glass juice bottles as water bottles

Newspaper can be used to wrap gifts, especially the glossy centre pages

Rather than throwing out items you don't need, try offering it to the freecycle
network, or your local charity. Check out freecycle.org for more information

Carry your lunch in a reusable container, rather than disposable wrap. This is
a perfect opportunity to reuse one of those many takeout containers you've
picked up along the way!
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Date last revised: April 2009
City of Nedlands
Energy Efficiency Information Sheet
RECYCLE:
Recycling sees a product returned to the factory to be remade into the same product
or to become a component in a new product. This conserves non-renewable
resources, and can use much less energy than production from raw materials. Some
items that can be recycled include:

paper and cardboard

aluminum

glass bottles and jars

plastic milk containers
Before you put items out for recycling, remember to rinse containers, and remove lids
and caps. Remember that items covered with food grease (such as the bottoms of
pizza boxes) cannot be recycled. These steps are important to remember in order to
avoid contamination of recycling – contamination can threaten the viability of the
entire truck's load, and the load may be sent to landfill if unsalvageable.
Information on Recycling Services provided by the City of Nedlands can be found in
the Recycling Bin information sheet, available on the City of Nedlands website.
Recycling includes composting. More information can be found on the Compost Bin
Information Sheet, available on the City of Nedlands website.
FURTHER LINKS:
Zero Waste Campaign: http://www.envict.org.au/inform.php?item=6
Buy Recycled Business Alliance http://www.brba.com.au/
Australian Conservation Foundation: www.acfonline.org.au
Living Smart 3R Tips at DPI http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/livingsmart/15732.asp
meta data: waste minimisation, reduce, reuse, recycle, waste, garbage, rubbish,
landfill
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Date last revised: April 2009