zero-waste

adjective

ze·​ro-waste ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-wāst How to pronounce zero-waste (audio)
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-ˈ
variants or zero waste
: generating little or no waste
a zero-waste event
zero-waste manufacturing
zero waste noun
The creative waste management strategy of "zero waste" is a combination of community and industrial responsibility that includes deconstruction in spite of demolition, composting to keep odorous organic waste out of landfills, recycling, and a screening facility to allow more separation and reuse of waste rather than incineration. Aimee Dolloff

Examples of zero-waste in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Upcycling transforms easter holiday prep into a zero-waste design challenge with kids. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Highlights of the zero-waste event include a fix-it-clinic, tie-dye workshop and compost giveaway. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Adidas, the athletic wear company, is an example of a company that is using more recycled materials, including plastic waste recovered from beaches and biodegradable materials, in its efforts to produce zero-waste running shoes. Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Governments need to put into place policies, regulations, and subsidies to promote sustainability and zero-waste practices to encourage businesses to enact positive practices, Guterres said. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zero-waste

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zero-waste was in 1970

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Cite this Entry

“Zero-waste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero-waste. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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