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Local governments often encourage programs that are directed at conserving resources and reducing the amount of solid waste generated in the first place, thereby helping to mitigate the burden of collection, processing, and disposal practices. In many states, source reduction is the topic of legislation directed at government procurement and purchasing requirements (local governments can model their own policies after state directives to use recycled paper, double-sided copies, etc.), labeling guidelines, and product reuse (e.g., "bottle bills"). Many states have waste reduction goals that require 25 to 50 percent reduction in the solid waste stream before a particular year.
Local governments can perform waste audits to assess the flow of materials through their system. In doing so, current disposal costs are quantified, unnecessarily disposed materials are identified and quantified, cost savings are estimated, and new programs are initiated and monitored. These audits can help managers to determine the most appropriate and effective source reduction programs for their community.
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