From 20 to 28 November, the European Week for Waste Reduction 2021 (European Week for Waste Reduction, EWWR) will be held. It is meant to raise awareness on sustainability and proper waste management through the involvement of public authorities, businesses, civil society and citizens. In particular, it aims to promote greater understanding among citizens of the excessive amounts of waste produced and the need to drastically reduce it. The emphasis is therefore on waste prevention and the actions proposed embrace the so-called 3Rs: reduction, but also re-use and recycling.
“Following this hierarchy, waste reduction should always be the first priority,”explain the organisers of the European Week for Waste Reduction. “Reduction means first and foremost strict prevention and reduction at source. The second best option is to reuse the products. This also includes preparation for re-use. Finally, the third priority is the recycling of materials.