What is waste?

In our daily lives, we come across different materials like paper, plastic, metal and food

When we are done using these things, they become waste.

Waste is anything that we throw away because it is broken, old or we simply don't need anymore.

If waste is not disposed of properly, it can end up in our rivers, ocean and land.

Watch: What is waste?

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The UK creates almost 200 million tonnes of waste a year, that's the same weight as nearly 100 million cars!
Most types of plastics can be recycled, to make new things.
The UK creates nearly 9 and half million tonnes of food waste per year.
As well as being good for nature, recycling can also save energy and help tackle climate change.
In the UK, around 800,000 tonnes of plastic packaging is used every year.
A landfill is an area of land we use to discard rubbish that can't be recycled.
In the UK, we only recycle around 44% of our household waste.

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Plastic waste
Waste, commonly plastic, that is discarded or not disposed of properly can end up in the sea or in rivers.
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Recycling
You can recycle your waste such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans and paper or cardboard. This will go to a factory to be made and reused into something else.
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Compost
You can re-use some of your food waste by turning it into compost. Compost can then be used to help grow plants and fertilise soil.
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Re-using materials
You can re-use your rubbish by making arts and craft with the materials. You can make things like a rocket, a car or anything you like.