Options for waste management can be presented in order of their benefit to the environment. Once waste is identified the most beneficial method of dealing with it can be found by moving down the hierarchy starting with reducing waste as the first priority and finally reaching disposal as a last option. A Waste Exchange can help companies develop waste management solutions higher up on the hierarchy.

The Steps in the Waste Hierarchy

Reduce "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
It is far more time and cost effective to tackle the causes of waste rather than treat the waste once it has been produced. Reducing waste can be achieved through a combination of monitoring and analysing systems and processes.

Re-use
Imagination and innovation is required, remember not to be restricted to the continuous re-use of a material for its original purpose. Repair or upgradability may also be a consideration when deciding whether an item has re-use potential. The Waste Exchange can help facilitate the re-use of materials in other companies and industries.

Recycle
Recycling involves the recovery of materials for use in another product. The process of recycling includes the segregation and collection of waste, as well as the physical recycling itself. The Waste Exchange can play an important role in recycling of waste by connecting companies with one another for the purposes of using waste products in new processes.

Recover Energy
Energy can also be recovered from waste by using it as a fuel; the viability of this option is often dependent on the materials calorific value. The energy is usually recovered in the form of heat but can include electricity and biogas generation. This also reduces its volume and weight for disposal.

Disposal
Disposal generally either involves containment, generally through landfill, or destruction, normally through incineration. Incineration reduces the waste to approximately a third of its original mass. Disposal in these ways is considered the least sustainable option.