Waste prevention

This chapter first discusses key aspects of waste prevention in a multidisciplinary context. It then defines the term �waste prevention� and discusses its importance in relation to sustainability. Next, the chapter presents the policy framework of the European Union (EU), the United States (U.S.), and selected countries that have taken important steps toward promoting waste prevention, presenting an analysis of waste prevention actions and initiatives applicable to production, supply, consumption, and the household for different key waste streams. The chapter specifically tackles food waste, packaging waste, nonpackaging paper waste, waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and green waste. Finally, the chapter examines major barriers affecting waste prevention and reviews successful efforts of central and local authorities, businesses, consumers, and social enterprises in mitigating such negative barriers. � 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.