Waste prevention seeks to reduce the necessity for waste disposal
Waste prevention aims at reducing the amount of waste generated through production and consumption. Typically, individuals and firms seek to reduce waste that adds no value or is considered redundant. An example of this would be reducing unwanted telephone books and junk mail, cutting down on construction waste by measuring more effectively, and reducing excess packaging.
Advantage: Reduces Waste
Waste disposal, both in landfills and through incineration, carries with it monetary costs and environmental damage. Consequently, the more waste that is prevented during the production process, the less solid waste needs to be disposed of. In a study produced by the government of Canada, in which the cost of waste disposal was passed on to the contractor, the amount of drywall waste was cut by 16,000 pounds.
Advantage: Can Reduce Costs
From the production side, reducing waste through multiple use and recovery of input material can provide significant financial savings for firms. In the same Canadian study, the construction firm was able to achieve $1,600 in saving through re-use and reduction of gypsum and drywall.
Disadvantage: Limited Potential
Although waste prevention has significant potential for both waste reduction and cost savings, there are limits. Firms are only willing to reduce waste if it is economically viable. Continuing growth in consumption offsets any absolute gains made in terms of waste prevention.
Disadvantage: Legislative Shortcomings
Incentive structures implemented in the study discussed above do not exist in terms of hard legislation. Waste legislation in some places defines waste prevention as a principle -- companies are encouraged in principle to reduce waste. Nevertheless, there are few fines or economic incentives (aside from the naturally occurring ones) for reducing waste or unnecessary packaging. Governments are wary about over-regulating production methods, fearing harm to national manufacturing sectors.
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