Where should resource recovery and reduction of solid wastes ideally begin?

The ideal starting point for resource recovery and reduction of solid wastes is at the point of generation. This refers to the moment waste is created, whether it's from households, businesses, or industries. Focusing on waste management at this initial stage promotes practices that can significantly minimize the amount of waste produced, encouraging behaviors such as source separation, recycling, and composting.

When waste reduction strategies are implemented right at the point of generation, it not only allows for better sorting of materials for recycling but also encourages the reduction of overall waste through means such as choosing more sustainable products, reducing packaging, and increasing awareness of consumption habits. This proactive approach leads to a more effective and efficient waste management system, reducing the need for later interventions at other stages of waste handling.

In contrast, other options focus on subsequent stages of waste management, which cannot address the root cause of waste generation effectively. For instance, the sanitary landfill is designed for disposal rather than prevention, while the transfer station is a logistics point for moving waste rather than reducing it. Although efforts can be made at the home level, which is indeed a key player in waste generation, the most comprehensive strategy encompasses all points, emphasizing that action should start wherever waste is initially created.