Glossary

This glossary of terms was compiled from a wide range of sources and covers some of the most commonly used waste-related words and abbreviations.

Please select a letter from the A-Z index to find the definition of a term.

P

 

Polluter Pays Principle
Under this principle, the person or organisation that produces pollution (including waste) is held responsible for it. Linked to Producer Responsibility.

Producer Responsibility
Requires industry and commerce involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of particular goods to take greater responsibility for the disposal and/or recovery of the goods at the end of their useful life. Linked to Polluter Pays Principle .

Pyrolysis
The thermal treatment of waste to recover energy. The waste is heated in the absence of oxygen to produce a mixture of gas, solid and liquid fuel.