Definitions for "Waste management hierarchy"
an order the desirability of different waste management practices, which may include but is not limited to: reduction; reuse; recycling; recovery; and residue disposal
In descending order: Source reduction Reuse Recycling Reclamation Treatment Disposal
a ranking of waste management operations according to their environmental or energy benefits. The purpose of the waste management hierarchy is to make waste management practices as environmentally sound as possible.