Source reduction means reducing the amount and the toxicity of the waste that is produced. Individuals and families can participate in source reduction by buying more products that are durable and nondisposable , and more products that have fewer toxic components and less packaging. Reusing items that we usually throw out is a good way to reduce the waste disposal problem. Manufacturers have a big role to play in source reduction. They should be encouraged to produce products that have less packaging and fewer toxic components.
Recycling is the second level of waste management.
Reuse of materials not only saves energy and natural resources , but it prevents potentially useful materials from being buried in landfills or burned in combustors . Waste combustion and landfills are the third level of waste management. Source reduction and recycling help to make combustion and landfills safer and more efficient by reducing both the quantity and the toxicity of waste, and by removing recyclable materials that might be difficult to burn or that could cause harmful emissions . Landfills are needed to handle waste that cannot be recycled or safely burned. Also, ash from waste combustion must be sent to specially designed landfills.