Waste Minimisation in the Planning System

Waste Minimisation is at the top of the waste hierarchy and is a critical element of sustainable waste management. The planning system can do little to prevent materials from being discarded in the first place or to reduce the level of hazard associated with those materials being discarded. However, the planning system can encourage the better use of resources and promote waste minimisation in new development (see Annex B). Effective recycling and reuse of materials can further reduce the demand for new resources and prevent discarding of materials. These steps together with a reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill can all contribute to waste minimisation.