Glossary

EPR and sustainability, explained.

Plain-language definitions for EPR, waste management, and environmental compliance. No jargon, no filler.

What is the right to repair?

The Right to Repair helps people fix products, saving money and reducing waste. It supports a circular economy by keeping items longer, cutting pollution, and conserving resources. Why not try repairing next time?

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What is the Right to Repair Directive?

The Right to Repair Directive lets EU consumers repair products easily, reducing waste and supporting a circular, sustainable economy by extending product life and cutting e-waste.

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What is thermal runaway?

Thermal runaway is a dangerous cycle where batteries overheat uncontrollably, causing fires and pollution. Preventing it boosts safety, supports recycling, and helps reduce harmful waste.

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What is the Scotland Deposit Return Scheme?

Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme charges a 20p deposit on single-use drink containers, boosting recycling to 90%, cutting litter by a third, and lowering carbon emissions, supporting circular economy goals.

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What is the secondary packaging market?

The secondary packaging market creates outer packaging that protects grouped products during transport and sale, focusing on sustainability by using recyclable, reusable, and lightweight materials to reduce waste and emissions.

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What is the seedling logo (compostable)?

The Seedling Logo shows a product is compostable, breaking down safely into soil. It supports waste reduction, circular economy, and helps fight climate change by promoting eco-friendly choices.

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What is the self-sufficiency principle?

The Self-Sufficiency Principle means meeting needs locally by reusing, recycling, and using renewable resources. It cuts waste, saves energy, boosts resilience, and supports the environment and communities.

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What is the shared responsibility model?

Shared Responsibility means everyone—governments, businesses, communities, and individuals—works together fairly to reduce waste, recycle, and protect the environment for a healthier planet.

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What is the sharing economy?

The sharing economy helps reduce waste and pollution by sharing goods, services, or spaces instead of owning them. It saves money, protects resources, and builds stronger, connected communities.

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What is the subsidiarity principle?

The Subsidiarity Principle means local communities handle environmental issues first, ensuring solutions fit their needs. Higher authorities step in only if needed, promoting effective, sustainable action.

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What is the take-back scheme?

A Take-Back Scheme lets you return used products to be reused or recycled, reducing waste and saving resources. It supports a circular economy and helps protect the environment.

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What is the textile collection obligation?

Textile Collection Obligation means collecting old clothes to recycle or reuse them, cutting waste and pollution. It helps save resources and supports a circular, eco-friendly system.

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What is the textile waste hierarchy?

The Textile Waste Hierarchy ranks actions from best to worst: prevent waste, reuse clothes, recycle fibers, recover energy, and dispose last. It guides smarter, greener textile management.

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What is the Tidyman symbol?

The Tidyman Symbol reminds everyone to toss waste in bins, helping reduce litter, protect nature, and support recycling. Small actions like this keep our environment clean and healthy.

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What is the Triman logo?

The Triman logo in Europe shows products should be recycled properly. It guides consumers to sort waste correctly, supporting recycling, reducing waste, and promoting a circular economy.

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What is the UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)?

The UK Deposit Return Scheme, launching in October 2027, offers a refund for returned single-use plastic, steel, and aluminium drink containers. It aims to boost recycling rates to 90%, cut litter by a third, and support a circular economy by encouraging reuse.

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What is the UK plastic packaging tax (PPT)?

The UK Plastic Packaging Tax charges £217.85/tonne on packaging with under 30% recycled plastic, encouraging businesses to use recycled materials and reduce plastic waste for better sustainability.

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