Several trash management practices, such as source reduction, recycling, and composting, prevent or divert materials from the waste stream. Waste stream is the total flow of solid waste from homes, businesses, institutions, and manufacturing plants that are recycled, burned, or disposed of in landfills. Source reduction involves altering the design, manufacture, or use of products and materials to reduce the amount and toxicity of what gets thrown away. Recycling diverts items, such as paper, glass, plastic, and metals, from the waste stream. These materials are sorted, collected, and processed and then manufactured, sold, and bought as new products.
Landfills are engineered areas where waste is placed into the land.
Combustion is another practice that has helped reduce the amount of landfill space needed. Combustion facilities burn trash at a high temperature, reducing waste volume and generating electricity.