Waste Definitions

Recycling
Working definition: To use again after re-processing
Formal definition: The process of collecting, sorting, cleansing, treating and reconstituting materials that would otherwise become solid waste, and returning them into the economic mainstream in the form of raw material for new, reused, or reconstituted products which meet the quality standards necessary to be in the marketplace. Retrieved 6/3/03 at http://eetd.LBL.gov/EA/Buildings/BNordman/C/consmain.html , p. 11.
Examples: Newspapers and plastic milk jugs are examples of materials that are readily recyclable.

Reuse
Working definition: To use again in original condition
Formal definition: A form of disposal that uses a discard item again as itself. Reuse generally thrives in decentralized locations that serve local markets. Nearly everything reusable can be scrapped, but once it is scrapped, it can no longer be reused. Retrieved 6/3/03 at http://eetd.LBL.gov/EA/Buildings/BNordman/C/consmain.html , p. 14.
Examples: Hand-me-down clothes and coffee cans used to store nails are examples of reuse.

Reduce
Working definition: Prevent generation of waste
Formal definition: Any action that avoids the creation of waste by reducing waste at the source, including redesigning of products or packaging so that less material is used; making voluntary or imposed behavior changes in the use of materials; or increasing durability or reusability of materials. Also includes reduction of the use of toxic constituents. This action is intended to conserve resources, promote efficiency, and reduce pollution. Retrieved 6/3/03 at http://eetd.LBL.gov/EA/Buildings/BNordman/C/consmain.html , p. 11-13.
Other terms: Source reduction, waste reduction, volume reduction at the source
Examples: Lightweighting of plastic bags and aluminum cans, not buying a t-shirt or TV based on identified needs, rationing of coffee, buying products with less packaging (such as cereal in a 15-oz. bag instead of cereal in individual serving sizes), and using baking soda or vinegar to clean instead of bleach are examples of waste reduction.

Website mission: Provide formal and nonformal educators with resources, lessons plans, and a forum for information exchange to facilitate education about waste in K-12 classrooms. Webmaster: Susan Salterberg, Center for Energy and Environmental Education, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0293; salterberg@uni.edu Last Updated: January 5, 2005; Copyright 2005 University of Northern Iowa. All Rights Reserved. http://www.uni.edu/ceee/wastereduction

Thanks to the Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa and especially to their director, John Konefes, and to their webmaster, Jason Ebensberger, for assistance with this website. This website was prepared with the support of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Contract Number 04-G550-24. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of IDNR. Funding support was also provided by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP): Invest in Iowa , our outdoors, our heritage, our people. REAP is supported by the state of Iowa, providing funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resource projects, including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation and more.