In waste management practices, what does "reducing" refer to?

Reducing in waste management practices specifically refers to minimizing waste generation at the source. This involves implementing strategies and practices that aim to produce less waste before it even occurs. By focusing on reducing, individuals and organizations can limit the amount of resources that are consumed and consequently decrease the volume of waste created. This approach is crucial because it directly impacts the entire waste management system by lessening the volume that needs to be recycled, composted, or disposed of in landfills.

While recycling technologies, composting, and donating unused items are all essential waste management practices, they primarily serve as methods for managing waste that has already been generated. In contrast, reducing focuses on prevention, making it a proactive measure in achieving sustainable waste management.