The policy, process or system set up to ensure a reduction in amount of waste generated by a society or person is termed Waste Minimization. This term is used specifically to denote efforts to reduce resource and energy at the production stage and requires in-depth knowledge of composition of waste, cradle to grave analysis and production process.
Waste management differs from minimization in that the former focuses on waste post creation. Governments provide incentives to industries for waste minimization leading to a reduction in landfill waste. Some waste minimization processes are resource optimisation, reuse of scrap material, improved quality control and monitoring, waste exchanges and ship to point of use. For households, waste minimisation could take the form of composting, using more durable items, using electricity thoughtfully and managing resources so as to use them to their full potential.
