Waste minimisation includes all activities that reduce the amount of waste that is land filled or otherwise finally disposed. Often this is achieved by converting the waste into useful resources.

The concept of waste minimisation was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1988. In this concept, waste prevention approach and its techniques are defined as on-site reduction source reduction of waste by changes of input raw materials, technology changes, good operating practices and product changes. Off-site recycling by direct reuse after reclamation are also considered to be waste minimisation techniques, but have a distinctly lower priority compared to on-site prevention or minimisation of waste. These aspects are also covered in integrated waste management plans.

Currently, waste minimisation and pollution prevention terms are often used interchangeably. They are addressed in Themes such as: cleaner production, product design and life cycle thinking.

The other aspect of waste minimization in the form of environmentally sound recycling operations can contribute to resource conservation and to protection of environmental quality. Conversely, badly operated recycling operations can be a major source of pollution and land contamination. For more information on this, please see the Contaminated land page.