Source Reduction Source reduction means less waste in the first place.
Most source reduction occurs as part of the manufacturing process.
A 1999 study conducted by Franklin Associates showed that overall, polystyrene packaging products have been source reduced nine percent since 1974 - this means that nine percent less polystyrene was used to manufacture the same quantity of finished goods. Between 1974 and 1997, the amount of polystyrene packaging diverted from landfills steadily increased due to continued source reduction, eliminating the need for more than 2,900 billion pounds of polystyrene over the 24-year period. The U.S. EPA has identified source reduction as a priority in its solid waste management hierarchy. Source reduction can make a positive contribution toward conserving resources - as significant as recycling. One way to evaluate the impact of source reduction is to compare the resources saved by preventing waste versus recycling.