What does the term "waste minimization" refer to?

The term "waste minimization" specifically refers to strategies aimed at reducing both the quantity and the toxicity of hazardous waste that is generated. This approach is a critical element of sustainable waste management, focusing on prevention rather than treatment. Waste minimization helps to lower hazardous waste disposal costs, reduce the environmental impact, and improve public health by addressing waste at its source, rather than managing it after it has been created.

In contrast, increasing waste disposal capacity, recycling more materials, or incinerating hazardous waste do not align with the core goal of waste minimization. While these methods may manage waste after it has been produced, they do not seek to decrease the volume or hazardous nature of the waste generated in the first place. Therefore, focusing on reducing the generation of waste and its potential hazards is what truly embodies the concept of waste minimization.