Prevention of waste is the preferred option of the waste hierarchy, and includes all measures taken before a substance, material or product has become waste.
Waste prevention can be achieved in many ways, including:
- efficient use of resource;
- design that optimises the lifespan of a product;
- fit-for-purpose, resource efficient packaging.
Zero Waste Scotland's website has a lot of useful information about waste reduction for individuals and business and industry.
Waste Prevention Programme
In line with the Zero Waste Plan's focus on treating waste as a resource and using resources sustainably, the first action in the Zero Waste Plan is to produce a Waste Prevention Programme covering all Scotland's waste.
Waste prevention is part of the bigger picture of sustainability and economic opportunity, closely linked to other Scottish Government agendas on Low Carbon, Energy Efficiency, etc.