Zero Waste: A New Sustainable Waste Management Philosophy in the 21st Century

Abstract

Zero waste is a system of principles that focuses on waste prevention to redesign resource lifecycles so that materials are reused, and wastes and pollutions are minimal that maximizes employment opportunities through the creation of relevant jobs. It is an idealistic concept that has become an aspirational goal for tackling waste problems. It indicates a 100% recycling and a 100% recovery of all resources from waste materials. It provides the greatest degree of local economic self-reliance that stimulates sustainable production and consumption, optimum recycling, and resource recovery. It is implemented in various sectors, such as waste management and treatment, mining, manufacturing, and urban development. It is one of the promising and effective ways to solve the waste management and recycling issues that represents a new planning method for the 21st century.