Environmental guidance for your business in Northern Ireland & Scotland
In our existing economy,
A circular economy operates by:
We have made a lot of progress in reducing the amount of waste we dispose of, by segregating wastes and recycling them. We are also making progress in the use of resources, by looking at energy, water and materials efficiency. New processes, and new products that are designed to minimise waste are key to developing a more circular economy.
For example, we mine aluminium ore, smelt it into aluminium and manufacture drink cans and other products. Many of these products are used once, and then disposed of. Recycling rates are improving, and the manufacturing process is using less aluminium, but there is still a loss of materials, mainly to landfill. This means more aluminium needs to be mined and smelted. If all aluminium could be retained from goods that were designed to be reused or taken apart when they reach the end of their useful life, this would significantly reduce the need for primary extraction.
This is an example of what is meant by the circular economy.
This guideline explains what actions you can take to support the shift in focus from making improvements to existing manufacturing methods, to creating new methods of design and manufacture that will help to move us towards a circular economy.
an essential part of a net zero economy
In the following sections, this guideline also explains how taking these actions can benefit your business.
What is a circular economy?
Managing your waste for a circular economy - recycling and beyond
Designing your product, service or business model for a circular economy
SEPA Special Waste Consignment Notes – updated position, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is now accepting special waste consignment notes (SWCNs) by email only.
DAERA Waste Policy Tracker, The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has published a Waste policy tracker to stay informed of waste policy developments.
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