Background Many Federal agencies are setting up a variety of environmental management programs which include energy efficient practices, modifications to procurement specifications, and chiefly, recycling programs.
Source reduction is another vital component requiring attention.
As MSW generators, and as major consumers and purchasers of goods and services, Federal agencies can significantly reduce the amount of waste they generate by incorporating source reduction measures into their comprehensive waste management programs. Source reduction is the preferred option for handling waste, ahead of recycling, because it focuses on preventing waste at the source, before it is generated. For this reason, Executive Order 12780 highlights the need to establish cost-effective waste reduction programs in all Federal agency operations and facilities. Benefits of Preventing Waste Reducing solid waste can lead to a host of benefits. First of all, the more waste is reduced the less waste there is to manage.