Ballymena Borough Council | Waste Minimisation

20 August 2008

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Finding ways to minimise the amount of waste produced is a cost effective way of protecting the environment. Despite the effects of recycling, the waste stream increases annually by as much as 3 %. In Northern Ireland, space for burying this waste in landfill sites is rapidly becoming exhausted.

Waste minimisation and home composting is a pro-active response to this problem as it cuts down on the initial creation of the waste. The result is no disposal or reprocessing costs.

Organic waste makes up for 20 per cent of our waste in Ballymena but it can be easily made into compost. Composting also saves the need to buy expensive fertilisers and replaces peat compost, the extraction which is decimating natural habitats. Home composters are available free of charge from the Waveney Road amenity site.

Help the environment by just thinking twice about the effects on the environment your purchase or action will have.

Why not...

Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than over packaged varieties and choose other products packaged in material that is easy to recycle.
Buy products like washing up liquid in large quantities to minimise packaging waste.
Hire tapes, records and CDs from your library and video shop.
Buy products made from recycled material.
Buy re-useable cotton nappies and if possible use a nappy service. Real Nappy Association: 020-8299 4519
Buy wrapping paper in rolls, rather than single sheets which could mean that you use more than you need or have waste that can not be used.
Use festive ribbons and bows for gifts throughout the year.
Consider buying a reusable Christmas tree or arrange for your real tree to be collected for shredding.
Pass unwanted toys and clothes to neighbours, nurseries or charities.
Use a milk delivery service.
Treat yourself to a refillable pen.

Why not think twice before...

Buying bottled water when chilled tap water might do just as well.
Using disposable products eg tissues, face wipes, razors, paper and plastic cups, plates and cutlery.
Throwing away your garden waste; can you compost instead?
Using cling film and aluminium foil to wrap food. Consider using boxes with lids instead.
Reaching for a plastic bag at the supermarket. Consider buying a re-usable plastic bag or take your own.

Here are some useful links relevant to this topic.

The Real Nappy Association brings together Real Nappy companies, the National Association of Nappy Services, environmental groups and concerned individuals in a Campaign for Real Nappies. It provides practical support, including advice on adult incontinence, quarterly newsletter, contact with other members and discounts on nappies. For more information see www.realnappy.co.uk.

Freecycle(tm).
For more information see www.freecycle.org.

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www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/.

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