Precycling is source reduction and reuse. In most waste management planning the hierarchy is Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reduction and reuse are the first lines of defense against increasing waste volume. Precycling are those actions that can be taken before recycling becomes an option. It is the decision on the part of a consumer to not purchase an unnecessary product or the decision to purchase a reusable as opposed to a disposable item. Precycling is using the china plates in the cupboard for a party instead of purchasing paper or plastic plates. It is also the decision to buy in bulk or to buy refillable containers and then purchasing the product in a bulk container that can refill a dispenser. Precycling is thinking ahead to the ultimate destination of the containers and packaging of products are bought and making the decision to reduce those that might end up in a landfill. In addition to individual decisions to reduce waste before it happens there is the decision on the part of industry to reuse chemicals and to buy from parts suppliers that take back packaging and reuse it. Precycling is stopping waste before it happens.

See Also

Green Packaging; Green Products; Solid Waste