Definition: Recovery (of waste)

Category: Environment

Recovery is defined as any waste management operation that diverts a waste material from the waste stream and which results in a certain product with a potential economic or ecological benefit. Recovery mainly refers to the following operations:

 - material recovery, i.e. recycling (see below);
 - energy recovery, i.e. re-use a fuel;
 - biological recovery, e.g. composting;
 - re-use.

Direct recycling or reuse within industrial plants at the place of generation is excluded.