What
is Precycling?
and how does it fit into Integrated Solid Waste Management?
Tips for Precycling:
For more information:
What is Precycling?
In
order to effectively manage our solid waste, we must either increase
our ability to handle the solid waste generated, or reduce the amount
of solid waste generated. An Integrated Solid Waste Management
approach (illustrated at right) does both!
Recycling, composting, incinerating and landfilling can increase the capacity to handle solid waste. But each of these methods has a cost. Source reduction reduces the amount of solid waste generated. It can be less expensive than other solid waste management methods. And, it can also reduce the cost of these other methods by reducing the volume of material generated.
Source reduction is at the top of the Integrated Waste Management Hierarchy, because, in its purest form, it means generating no waste. Source reduction is any action that reduces the volume or toxicity of material entering the waste stream. These would include such choices as purchasing reusable and durable products rather than single-use products, using fewer resources to manufacture a product, and substituting less toxic or non-toxic ingredients or products.
Source reduction may be accomplished at the manufacturing level through product and packaging changes, at the retail level by the type of products displayed for sale, and at the consumer level through changes in purchasing practices and waste disposal decisions.
Reuse ranks below source reduction because, ultimately, it doesn't prevent generating materials that are discarded. But it does extend the useful life of materials, which helps prevent waste generation.
For purposes of this consumer-oriented campaign, these two strategies for reducing waste have been grouped together as simple, everyday choices we call Precycling. Most Hoosiers now have the opportunity to recycle ... the challenge is to Think Beyond The Bin by reducing the amount of waste we generate in the first place!
moreThe Integrated Waste Management Heirarchy
A point-by-point explanation
Source
Reduction
Consume less to reduce the volume of waste we create.
Reuse
Diverting a material or product from the waste stream (at least temporarily), either by using a product again for its original purpose, or by finding a different use for the item.
Recycling
Reclaiming: Collect, process, market and remanufacture materials already in the waste stream.
Composting: A natural, biological process to convert waste into useful organic matter called humus.
Final Disposal
Waste-to-Energy: Burning solid waste to generate steam heat or electricity.
Incineration: Burning solid waste under conditions where combustion factors such as temperature, retention time and air are controlled.
Landfill: Controlled disposal in which waste is compacted and covered with soil.
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