EPA directives: In the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, the preferred waste minimization options, as defined by Section 6602(b) of the Act, are prevention and environmentally sound recycling followed by treatment and disposal.

A 1994 guideline document (EPA/625/R-93/017) states that: "…recycling should be used where possible to minimize or avoid the need to treat wastes that remain after viable source reduction options have been evaluated and/or implemented."