Make the most of what we’ve got

Collection of illustrations that represent markets within the circular economy: electrical toothbrush and headphones (electrical recycling), plastic cup with straw (single-use), clothes hanger (textiles).
Home / Reduce waste

It’s good to recycle stuff when we’re finished with it – but it’s even better not to make, use and then get rid of that stuff in the first place. Reducing waste cuts down our consumption of virgin materials and avoids the damaging carbon emissions associated with landfill and incineration. This is why keeping things in use for longer, buying less and reducing waste all help tackle the climate emergency.

We support boroughs in their waste prevention efforts; we work with businesses who create products and services which reduce waste throughout the supply chain; and we communicate directly with Londoners about reducing their own waste at home.

Reducing waste in London

What’s the size of the problem?

Around seven million tonnes of waste is produced each year in London, almost three million of which comes from households.  Over a quarter of household waste is food, most of which could have been eaten rather than thrown away. A further 10% is plastic packaging, including single use plastic bottles and takeaway food containers, and nappies and sanitary products make up another 5%.

Businesses of every size can design out waste in their own operations and throughout their supply chain, using circular economy business models or simply being as efficient with their resources as possible. It makes good business sense, as well as environmental, to manage valuable resources carefully.

To find out more, take a look at how other businesses have created value through circular approaches, and learn how we partner with business to help them test, validate and scale circular business models.

We’re on a mission to find ways to reduce waste through the way we buy, use and dispose of our stuff. From passionate zero-waste advocates on Instagram to those just trying to save a bit of money on their food by not throwing it in the bin, there is inspiration and advice everywhere to help us reduce waste and play our part in tackling the climate emergency.

To find out more about looking after and repairing your stuff, swapping and sharing, buying second-hand, recycling more or searching for items made with recycled materials, follow our campaigns London Recycles, Love not Landfill and Eat like a Londoner on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates and tips!

Waste prevention resources

Find out more

London boroughs’ waste reduction plans

Read how London’s boroughs are planning to reduce their waste Read more

Support for small businesses

Our business transformation programme supports small businesses adopting or scaling circular business models Read more

Reducing clothing waste

Our award-winning Love Not Landfill campaign has tips to keep clothes in use for longer Read more

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