Prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery, disposal
Find out how we’re helping residents to reduce, reuse and recycle in the district.
A scale of ways to get rid of waste, starting with the most preferred environmental option of Prevention, Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, Recovery, and Disposal as the least preferred environmental option.
Prevention
We can help the environment by not creating waste in the first place. Though we must be realistic, as this is not always possible. By raising awareness within your homes and addressing the issue of waste, it can help you introduce better processes and methods to reduce the waste your household produces.
Reduction
The perfect solution to meet our climate goals is simply to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place. This can be achieved by buying less or adopting low or zero-waste habits.
Reducing waste both lowers the demand for new goods to be made, as well as lowering the number of items going through the waste process. Both help to:
- conserve natural resources
- avoid emissions providing cleaner air and natural environments for us to enjoy
- reduce the financial cost to you and your local community
How to reduce your waste
You can reduce your waste by:
- buying less by buying better quality goods that last longer
- cutting down on packaging waste by choosing products that have less packaging when shopping, such as loose fruits and vegetables, or buying vegetable box
- buying less online to reduce the amount of packaging you end up with
- reducing unwanted junk mail by registering with the Mailing Preference Service to have your name removed from direct mailing lists
- planning your meals in advance to prevent any food going to waste
- repairing goods rather than simply buying new ones
- trying to upcycle broken items into new ones
- sharing items with neighbours and family members to save money on buying infrequently used items
Reuse
Often the items we throw away can be used for other purposes or by other people. Reusing items contributes to a reduction of waste and carbon emissions, as the demand for new products reduces and less waste ends up being processed through the waste streams.
This not only helps to protect our environment but reduces the overall cost to you as consumers and residents. Donating unwanted items to local charities and second-hand stores also supports your local community and economy.
How to reuse items
You can reuse items by:
- using plastic takeaway containers to store food and plastic bottles to carry a drink
- glass jars are great for storing food or household items
- buying reusable or washable versions of single-use items like nappies, carrier bags, coffee cups or plastic bottles
- buying things second-hand to save money as well as waste
Tools to help you reuse items
To reuse items, you can:
- use online platforms like Freecycle to find items in your local area you can collect or donate for free
- search the local charities database from the Charity Retail Association to find local charities for donating your unwanted items for reuse.
- check the Zero Waste Map to find local charities
- book a collection of your small electricals and furniture
- donate items for reuse at the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre
- claim a £25 voucher to purchase reusable nappies (if you’re eligible)
Recycle
Derbyshire Dales is one of the leading districts in Derbyshire for recycling, but there is always room for improvement.
Tools to help you recycle
To recycle more, you can:
- check what to put in your bins for more information on what you can recycle at home
- check our A-Z of rubbish and recycling for lots of useful information about different waste types and what you can do with them
- consider buying things which are made with recycled materials to minimise the environmental cost of the things you’re buying
Local recycling sites
In addition to the 2 main recycling centres in Derbyshire Dales, there are some textiles banks across the district where you can take used textile items for recycling. These are operated by charitable services and not by us.
Make sure you only leave items that are accepted by each recycling site. Leaving any items not specified below is classed as fly-tipping and can lead to prosecution and substantial fines.
Textiles and footwear
You donate textiles and footwear at textile banks.
Composting
Composting is inexpensive. It is a natural process that transforms kitchen and garden waste into food for your garden. Use finished compost on flowerbeds, vegetable plots, and for mixing into planters. If you compost at home, you can reduce the amount of rubbish you put out for collection. You also return important nutrients and minerals to your soil. Composting is cheap, it's easy to make, and it's even easier to use. Get composting today!
Find out more about home composting.
Real nappies
Why choose real nappies?
Real nappies are not what they used to be. Using real nappies brings a range of benefits and they have developed considerably since the terry square.
Go green
It's greener to go real.
Did you know that 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK, most of these go to landfill.
In Derbyshire it is estimated that around 12,000 tonnes of nappy waste is disposed of every year, costing over £800,000 in disposal costs.
You could cut your household rubbish by up to half and help the environment by choosing real nappies.
Follow these top tips to make your real nappies greener:
- wash nappies at 40℃ or 60℃ - do not boil wash
- use A-rated appliances to reduce energy and water use
- don't use fabric conditioner as it reduces absorbency
- use eco-friendly washing powders
- try potty training early around 2 years of age
- use real nappies for more than one child
- buy second hand nappies where possible
- use organic (non-bleached) products
- don't iron nappies
Real cool
Taking the real nappy option is all about using your right to make a choice between real nappies and single-use disposable nappies.
It reduces rubbish going to landfill and can save you money.
Of course, real nappies don't have to be an 'all or nothing' option. You may still prefer to use disposables when you are travelling or away from home.
Most people find that once they've made the change they want to continue to 'keep it real'.
Real easy to use
Forget safety pins!
Real nappies come in modern and funky styles that fasten easily with poppers, Velcro or nifty little plastic grips so that the nappy fits your baby snugly.
Use them with a liner inside to keep your baby dry. You can choose from biodegradable liners that can be flushed away or reusable liners that can be washed and used again.
To prevent leaks all real nappies have a breathable waterproof cover. This can either be built in or come separately depending on your nappy choice
No need to soak or pre-wash nappies, just wash at 40℃ to 60℃ with a non-biological detergent.
Real savings
Using real nappies could save you a lot of money in the long run.
The total cost of using real nappies can be half that of using disposables.
By the time your baby is potty trained you could use between 4,000 to 6,000 disposable nappies.
You only need between 15 and 24 real nappies which can save you up to £1,000 depending on the type of nappy you choose.
Further savings can be achieved by using the same real nappies for a second or third child.
Find out more about real nappies.
