We generate a staggering 223 million tonnes of waste in the U.K. in a single year; nature generates zero. Households are a major source, but commercial, industrial, construction, demolition and excavation activities produce even more. Landfills emit egregious methane gas; incineration with electricity generation only (the main form of energy-from-waste in the U.K.) emits more greenhouse gases than a gas-fired power station. The best option in terms of positive climate action and resource usage is to phase out residual waste entirely, ensuring that all waste is reused, recycled or composted instead.
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