Part B -Waste Prevention Activity

• Defines what a product-service approach involves.
• Describes the benefits, options and potential.
• Provides practical tips and highlights further sources of information and support.

• Nappy laundering.
• Library services.
• Hire/leasing of goods.
• Catering and dishwashing.
• Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS).
• Product refill services.
• Gardening services.
• Shopping home delivery.

This subsection provides information that can support a business case for a product-service initiative and motivate householders to use it. It includes:

• A summary of the key benefits (waste prevention, reducing resource/energy use, improving access to goods and services, job creation and social inclusion).
• A summary of the many benefits householders can enjoy if they hire rather than buy items.
• Facts and figures that demonstrate the huge potential for ‘real’ nappy laundering to reduce household waste.

• Use of ‘real’ nappies.
• Library use.
• Rental of electrical goods.
• Bottle refills.

This subsection will help you identify scope for establishing and supporting product-service projects in your area. It includes checklists that will enable you to assess:

• The current efficiency and effectiveness of local product-service activities.
• The potential to introduce new initiatives or improve existing ones (eg by helping with co-ordination, project management, funding or infrastructure provision).

This subsection provides a list of ideas for promoting greater use of re-usable nappies. These include:

• Taking part in the annual Real Nappy Week.
• Awareness-raising and promotion activities.
• Providing new mothers with sample nappies free of charge.

This subsection provides guidance on setting up a re-usable nappy laundry or similar product-service project. Key issues include:

• Meeting relevant legal requirements.
• Understanding the market.
• Deciding what form a project should take (eg not-for-profit company, private sector business).
• Assessing scope for partnership working.

It also suggests ways of reducing costs, securing funding and measuring success, and highlights the need to:

• Identify skills, premises and equipment required.
• Market and promote a project.
• Ensure its reliability.