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Source: https://www.thebalance.com
The most preferred approach to waste management is to not create it in the first
place. This can involve the choice to avoid unnecessary consumption of goods and
services, and it can also include purposefully reducing the inputs that go into the
creation of products - source reduction. Such source reduction efforts can include
the decreased usage of virgin materials and energy conservation, as well as the
creation of less pollution and toxicity of waste. Popular initiatives include packaging
reduction, more energy-efficient production and facilities, the use of renewable
Reuse is another powerful tact to avoid waste generation. For example, reusable
packaging systems can eliminate the need for disposable packaging, and also
provide better product protection, thus reducing product damage and losses
associated with it. Aside from reusable packaging. More generally speaking, the
creation of more durable goods can be a beneficial approach to waste reduction.
2. Recycling and Composting
To the extent that initial source reduction or the use of durable reusable goods is not
possible, the next preferred approach involves recycling of products, or the
composting of organic matter.
Recycling involves the collection, sorting, and processing of products into raw
materials that can be used as inputs for the production of new products. For its part,
Composting involves the diversion of organic material such as yard trimmings and
food scraps from landfills, thus preventing the emission of harmful greenhouse
gasses.
3. Waste-to-Energy
The process of waste-to-energy (WTE) involves the capture of energy from trash.
This is accomplished through a variety of approaches, including waste incineration,
pyrolization, anaerobic, digestion, gasification and landfill gas recovery.
Disposal is the final option in the waste hierarchy, however, a key component of
integrated waste management. Landfills are the most common approach to disposal,
with the design, operation and end-of-life requirements strictly controlled. In the U.S.,
landfills must follow strict standards established by EPA, and are typically regulated
at the state, tribal or local level.