Concept of 5R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle)

Concept of 5R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle)

• According to the 5 R's, four actions should be taken, if possible, prior to 'recycling': refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and then recycle.

• Incorporating this methodology into your business' waste reduction and recycling efforts will minimize landfill waste and help take your recycling program to the next level.

1. Refuse : Do not buy anything which we do not really need.

2. Reduce : Reduce the amount of garbage generated. Alter our lifestyle so that minimum garbage is generated.

3. Reuse : Reuse everything to its maximum after properly cleaning it. Make secondary use of different articles.

4. Repurpose : For every item that can't be refused, reduced or reused, try repurposing it. Many people in the green community refer to this method as upcycling. You may be surprised to learn how many common office products serve more than one purpose.

5. Recycle : Keep things which can be recycled to be given to rag pickers or waste pickers (Kabadiwallahs). Convert the recyclable garbage into manures or other useful products.