YES, you heard it right...WASTE HIERARCHY
The waste hierarchy lays the foundation for a proper waste management system.
Prevention/ Reduce
It lays emphasis to prevent waste in the first place. So if work on the prevention part we need not think about the next level of hierarchy. Less waste means less need to reuse products, less disposal, and most importantly, less waste at landfill sites.
We can prevent waste by using fewer and avoiding unnecessary materials during design, manufacturing, and packaging products. It also means using less hazardous waste materials where you can. An example could be buying products only when you need them and do not want them.
Reuse
When waste is created, the waste hierarchy prioritizes reuse. Where possible, reusing products and materials before it becomes waste is the next best option.
If we have already created waste next best option is to re-use it, so that it remains in use for longer and hence deferring demand for new products. By cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing items, we can significantly increase the number of things we reuse.
Here Focus should also be on buying products that can be re-used and ditching single-use products(SUPs).
Recycling
Recycling products should be prioritized after Re-use is not possible. Recycling essentially turns our waste into a new item or product, reducing the amount of raw materials required and promoting urban mining.
Recycling is possible if we properly segregate out waste and channelize it to recyclers.
Recovery
Recovery is the next best option when we can't apply the first 3 Rs of waste management in the waste hierarchy. For waste that we can't recycle, it may be possible to recover energy in the form of "waste to energy".
Waste to energy(WtE) is the process of incinerating non-recyclable waste to produce electricity. WtE helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decreases carbon emissions. Composting of organic waste to turn its wastes into nutrient-rich food for plants.
Disposal
The least sustainable option in the waste hierarchy is landfill and incineration when energy recovery isn't possible. In developing countries like India, there is a shortage of scientific landfills. And open incineration of waste and mismanagement of landfills are major challenges.
We must aim for a future of Zero-Landfill by focusing on Reduce, Reuse and recycle and recover.
Always remember,
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
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