When should resource recovery and reduction of solid wastes start?

• A. During processing
• B. During transport
• C. At the point of generation
• D. During disposal

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that waste reduction and resource recovery must begin at the source—the point of generation—because decisions made there have the biggest impact on how much waste is created and what its composition is. If you address prevention and separation at the moment waste is produced, you can design processes and choose materials that are easier to reuse or recycle, and you can set up systems to keep streams clean and sortable. Waiting until processing, transport, or disposal means the waste is already formed, often mixed and contaminated, which makes recovery far more difficult, costly, and less effective. Aligning with the waste hierarchy, starting at generation maximizes opportunities to reduce and recover resources.