Solid Waste Management Alternatives: Review of Policy Options to Encourage Waste Reduction

摘要

In order to adopt effective waste reduction policies, States must first develop a framework for evaluating alternative policy options. Such a framework should include a clear definition of 'waste reduction', a set of policy evaluation criteria, consideration of a variety of policy approaches, and targeting of policies to appropriately distinguished sectors of waste generators. Three general approaches are possible to encourage waste reduction: (a) regulatory approaches; (b) financial incentives and/or disincentives; (c) research and education. The report outlines a wide range of policy options which encourage both post-consumer and industrial waste reduction. The most effective waste reduction policies will most probably include a balanced mixture of educational programs, financial incentives/disincentives, and regulations designed to best meet overall waste reduction goals consistent with established evaluation criteria.