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A method of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Examples include recycling paper, glass, metal, and plastic.

A biological process of breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment. Examples include composting fruit scraps, vegetable peels, and yard waste.

The process of burning waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume and mass. Examples include waste-to-energy plants and medical waste incinerators.

A method of waste disposal in which waste is buried underground or in a large pile. Examples include municipal waste landfills and construction debris landfills.

A thermal decomposition process in the absence of oxygen to convert waste into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Examples include pyrolysis of tires and plastic wastes.

Strategies to reduce the creation of waste at the source. Examples include product design changes, packaging reductions, and material substitutions.

The use of living organisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site. Examples include using bacteria to treat oil spills and plants to clean up heavy metals.

Plants that separate recyclable materials from waste streams to be processed and remanufactured. Examples include single-stream recycling facilities and dual-stream facilities.

The breakdown of organic material by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas. Examples include the treatment of food waste and sewage sludge.

A process that uses heat, pressure, and water to break down complex organic materials into synthetic crude oil. Examples include processing of plastic waste and organic biomass.

The dismantling, recovery, and reuse of components from discarded electronic devices. Examples include recycling of computers, mobile phones, and televisions.

Conversion of carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide by reacting the material at high temperatures with a controlled amount of oxygen. Examples include gasification of coal and biomass.

An extreme thermal process using plasma torches to break down waste into elemental gas and solid waste (slag). Examples include the treatment of hazardous waste and medical waste.

Transforming waste materials into new products of better quality or higher environmental value. Examples include turning plastic bottles into fabric or furniture.