There have already been major changes to the way society
manages waste and both waste generation and recycling
rates have been constantly going up. However, to
make the recycling economy of the 21st century a reality,
behavior change and educational programs to raise awareness
are needed. Consumers need to be made aware of the
fact that waste is a precious resource – for instance the value
of food waste, e-waste, glass and packaging cardboard –
that waste is valuable, in the same way as legislation is
need to make product manufacturers and construction
companies operate in a more material-efficient and less
wasteful manner.