Wise waste management involves turning unwanted materials into valuable goods, through accessing the valuable properties of the material.
Waste can be hazardous, including human waste which contains pathogens. This requires careful handling, and thorough treatment prior to allowing exposure to humans (e.g. through using as compost). Good practices are essential, including a substantial safety factor (margin for error). IN the case of human waste (or humanure) it can be used to create biogas and compost.
Waste management starts before the waste is discarded, or placed in the recycling bin. It involves manufacturers as well as consumers/citizens, and centers around the principles of:
- Reduce - buying only what is needed, and minimizing the use of packaging
- Reuse
- Recycle
