Slowing the waste behemoth: Source reduction is overshadowed by recycling's success

Technical Report · Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:6357195

Fishbein, B; Saphire, D

The article describes the benefits from source reduction as the major and most cost effective way to solve the garbage issue that is overwhelming the United States. Recycling has emerged as the solution to the garbage crisis, however there is a growing recognition that it is not a panacea. Although source reduction is recognized as the best answer, there is a big information gap. Industry has been exploring opportunities for source reduction initiatives that will improve operating efficiency, cut costs and reduce the amount of waste. Several examples of source reduction in the business and industrial sector are cited, including substituting reusable blankets for shipping furniture rather than using cardboard containers; promotion of double-sided copying to reduce paper usage; and refilling beer bottles. Others, such as public composting programs and government source reduction programs that work are discussed.

• Research Organization: INFORM, Inc., New York, NY (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6357195
• Report Number(s): PB-93-194546/XAB; CNN: EPA-R-817087
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Pub. in EPA Jnl., Vol. 18, No. 3, 46-49(Jul-Aug 1992)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
SOLID WASTES
MINIMIZATION
BUSINESS
COMPOSTING
CONTAINERS
COST ESTIMATION
EFFICIENCY
INDUSTRY
INFORMATION NEEDS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
PACKAGING
RECYCLING
SECTORAL ANALYSIS
USA
WASTE MANAGEMENT
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
NORTH AMERICA
PROCESSING
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES
320305* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Industrial Waste Management
320604 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Municipal Waste Management- (1980-)