In the UK, we chuck away 220 million tonnes of waste every year − about the weight of 30 million fully grown male African elephants. Quite a herd!
Many items we throw away shouldn’t go into waste at all. With a bit of effort and imagination, we could do something that's better for the environment and whilst recycling is important, we could always consider reducing how much we consume in the first place
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is based on the 3R's pyramid, which encourages us to reduce what we buy, rather than just thinking about what can be recycled.
Reduce - reducing what you buy in the first place will not only save you money, but it's better for the planet
Reuse − it’s amazing what you can do with things you originally bought for another purpose
Recycle − you can find out more about what can and cannot be recycled by using this handy online tool
Reduce
Recycling is important, but reducing what you buy in the first place will be even better for the planet and your bank balance! In the what I buy section you'll find plenty of advice and tips on how to reduce your impact on the environment.
Reuse
Can you use plastic food containers for storage? Old chest of drawers to store tools in your shed? Old car tyres for planters?
There are loads of ideas on the internet, like these ones from the Family Handyman or from Martin Lewis’ Money Savings Expert website
Recycle
Hart District Council has a list of things you can and can’t recycle on its website.
But that’s more a last resort than a solution to waste. If you’re putting loads of stuff into your blue bin, ask whether you buy too many products that come in unnecessary packaging.
Recycling could mean taking unwanted clothes and furniture to a charity shop.
And your recycling isn’t limited to the blue bin and charity shops. There are several recycling centres in Hart that will take your unwanted stuff. Things like clothes, shoes, electrical items, batteries and foil.
Some top tips:
- buy less – be honest, you don’t need ten pairs of jeans!
- buy second hand – you’ll find some great bargains and extend their useful life. Explore your local charity shops and second-hand sales
- donate – take old clothes to a charity shop or clothes bank
- rent or borrow – there’s a lot to choose from, even wedding dresses! Some local businesses and groups offer free clothes swap services
Food waste recycling
In October 2025 Hart District Council introduced food waste collections in the district. Find out more about how to use this weekly service.
Repair
You can extend the life of a lot of the big-ticket items in your home by getting them repaired. Look for local repair cafes or take a course in sewing, electricals or woodwork. There are lots of free or low-cost courses on offer from libraries, colleges and other local organisations. Have a look in our news and events page for some ideas.
Compost
Put your household vegetable waste on a compost heap and, after a few months, you’ll have a nutrient-rich mulch to dig into your flower beds.
Think of all the carbon you'll save by not transporting your vegetable waste to landfill.
If you want to try home composting, Hampshire County Council has teamed up with Getcomposting.com to offer discounts on home compost bins. Visit www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.