While some packaging is necessary, the goal of an integrated waste management system is to ultimately reduce the amount of material that becomes waste. Waste reduction and waste minimization involve strategies for having less product and package for ultimate disposal. But social customs, in addition to regulations, place many constraints on the potential for reduction and minimization strategies in the community as a whole. Even so, the potential for individual action is great. Regulatory requirements pose a major constraint and often make reduction difficult.
Some products are sized according to regulatory action, so economy in packaging is prohibitive.
By law, a small quantity of a pesticide is all that is allowed to be sold at one time. Also, what is required by law to be disclosed on the exterior of a package can, in part, determine the size of the package regardless of the amount of content. Whether the increase is the package material itself or in additional information for the consumer enclosed within the package, information control and labeling regulations place a constraint on the possibility of waste minimization or reduction. Small amounts of products are often contained in large packages because space for printed explanations needs to be provided. Another constraint on the long-term goal of waste reduction is related to consumer expectations of packages and products.