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.
Alternatively, drive over the bridge for a casual lunch at Marrow, a zero-waste whole-animal butcher shop and bistro that neighbors Sister Pie. Sarah Bence, AFAR Media, 3 Mar. 2025 The topic on March 5 is Green Oceanside Shaping a Sustainable Future, about the city’s work on water conservation, water pollution prevention and zero-waste initiatives. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 Operating on zero-waste, Jiang runs a tailoring line for menswear and suiting. Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 More specifically, the company factored in access to municipal and private composting programs, zero-waste initiatives, yard size, and local interest in composting, among 11 metrics. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 16 Dec. 2024 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 12 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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