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WASTE-MANAGEMENT-OPERATIONS5 MIN READ

Use the waste hierarchy before buying capacity

Use the waste hierarchy to choose the highest-value operational response before expanding collection or disposal capacity.

The move: climb the hierarchy before you buy more hauling. Start above the bin A waste problem at the container is often an upstream design problem wearing a disposal costume. The hierarchy asks you to look first for source reduction and reuse, then recycling or composting, then energy recovery, and only then treatment or disposal. In operations terms, the higher moves remove work from the system; lower moves manage work after it already exists. Translate the hierarchy into operating questions Ask four questions in order. Can we prevent this material from entering the site? Can we reuse it before it…

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