Question

What is the order of preference of the various elements in integrated waste management hierarchy (highest preference to lowest preference)?

• A. Reduce>Reuse & recycle>Energy recovery>Landfilling
• B. Reuse & recycle>Reduce>Energy recovery>Landfilling
• C. Reduce>Energy recovery>Reuse & recycle>Landfilling
• D. Reduce>Reuse & recycle>Landfilling>Energy recovery

Hint:

The waste management hierarchy emphasizes reducing waste generation, followed by reusing and recycling materials, with energy recovery and landfilling as last-resort options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Integrated Waste Management hierarchy is designed to minimize the environmental impact of waste through a series of prioritized actions, starting with the most beneficial and ending with the least desirable. The order of preference is: 
Step 1: Reduce 
The most preferred option is to reduce the amount of waste generated. Reducing consumption and waste production directly addresses the root cause of waste. 
Step 2: Reuse & Recycle 
Next in preference is reuse and recycling. Reusing items or recycling materials helps conserve resources and reduces the need for new raw materials, reducing environmental impact. 
Step 3: Energy Recovery 
Energy recovery comes next, where waste is converted into energy, but this process can have environmental impacts, so it is less preferable than reducing and reusing materials. 
Step 4: Landfilling 
Finally, landfilling is the least preferred option due to its environmental consequences, such as land degradation, methane emissions, and the need for landfill space.