The waste hierarchy is a concept used in waste management to prioritize actions on waste, with the aim of reducing waste production and promoting sustainable use of resources. Synonyms for waste hierarchy include waste minimization, source reduction, waste reduction, waste prevention, and waste avoidance. Waste minimization refers to techniques that reduce the amount of waste generated at the source, while source reduction refers to changes in product design or manufacturing processes to reduce the amount of waste generated. Waste reduction encompasses strategies such as recycling, composting, and energy recovery, while waste prevention and waste avoidance relate to the reduction of waste through changes in behavior and consumption patterns.