Waste prevention

Waste prevention is the foundation of European and Spanish waste policy. It sits at the top of the waste hierarchy, above reuse, recycling and energy recovery, because its goal is to stop waste from being generated in the first place.

In a context of natural-resource depletion and climate crisis, prevention becomes a strategic tool for reducing environmental impacts, improving economic efficiency and advancing towards a circular economy model.

What is waste prevention?

It is defined as the set of measures adopted before a substance, material or product becomes waste, with the aim of reducing:

• The quantity of waste generated.
• The environmental and health impact of the waste produced.
• The content of hazardous substances in materials and products.

Applicable regulation

European Union

• Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC): establishes prevention as the top priority.
• Directive (EU) 2018/851: strengthens prevention and reuse objectives.
• European Green Deal (2019): strategy to decouple economic growth from resource use.
• EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020).

Spain

• Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soil for a circular economy, which transposes EU rules and sets prevention and reuse targets.

Waste prevention strategies

1. Ecodesign: incorporating environmental criteria into product design (for example, lighter bottles that use less plastic).
2. Reuse and return systems: returnable packaging in hospitality and deposit return schemes (DRS).
3. Responsible consumption: buying only what is needed and avoiding single-use products.
4. Extending product life: repair and refurbishment programmes and the second-hand economy.
5. Digitalisation and dematerialisation: replacing paper with electronic documents and physical media with digital content.
6. Innovative business models: the sharing economy (car sharing, coworking) and 'product as a service' models (leasing instead of ownership).

Benefits of prevention

• Environmental: reduced CO₂ emissions and savings in resources and energy.
• Economic: lower waste management costs and savings on raw materials.
• Social: creation of green jobs and greater public awareness.

Challenges of prevention

1. Changing consumption habits.
2. Overcoming the economic barrier posed by cheaper disposable products.
3. Engaging industry in ecodesign and extended producer responsibility.
4. Measuring the real impact of prevention policies.

Link with the circular economy

Prevention is the first link in the circular economy, because it stops resources from entering the waste cycle at all. By designing products that are more durable, reusable and free of toxic substances, the loop is closed before it even opens.

Contribution to the SDGs

• SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities.
• SDG 12: responsible consumption and production.
• SDG 13: climate action.
• SDG 15: life on land.

Waste prevention is both a legal obligation and an essential strategy for ensuring environmental, economic and social sustainability. Preventing waste means using materials more efficiently, easing pressure on ecosystems and aligning with the goals of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and prepare their sustainability reporting. Discover how Manglai can help you.