FOR GOVERNMENT

* Set national standards for the collection and processing of household waste. Separate collection of clean and sorted recyclables is the only way to ensure quality and value

* Encourage recycling and reuse. Target tax incentives and penalties, with returnable bottles a priority

* Charge for disposal of household appliances less than 10 years old

* Calculate carbon savings taking account of the whole process from manufacture to disposal, not just packaging

FOR COUNCILS

* Change mind-set, viewing recycling as a moneymaking enterprise that profits the local economy

* Work together. The laggards need to learn from the market leaders

FOR INDUSTRY

* Design products and packaging to minimise the consumption of materials, energy and water

* Maximise recyclability. Phase out mixed materials — such as laminated drinks cartons — that are expensive to recycle

* Cut waste by selling food and goods in various portion sizes for varying lifestyles

* Standardise the use of plastics to make recycling easy and profitable

* Design electrical goods to last 10 years, with low-cost maintenance and repairability offsetting higher prices

* Engage the public. More information about products means better choices

* Think long-term. Invest in researching and developing new materials and recycling technology

FOR YOU

* Buy only what you need — stop buying food and clothes that will get thrown away

* Learn more. In deciding what to buy, take account of overall energy and material savings, as well as recyclability

* Take the small amount of time it takes to clean and sort household waste. Sorted packaging has a value, and well-run recycling schemes work to everyone’s advantage, economically as well as environmentally

* If local schemes are inadequate, demand improvement. This applies to supermarket take-back schemes as well as local authority collections. Ask hard questions about what happens to the collected material

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