Zero waste is a philosophy and goal of eliminating waste sent to landfills and incinerators by redesigning products, changing consumption patterns, and maximizing reuse, recycling, and composting. Zero waste goes beyond traditional recycling to question why waste is created and how systems can be redesigned to eliminate it. Strategies include reducing consumption, choosing reusable over disposable products, designing for durability and recyclability, composting organic materials, and ensuring materials re-enter productive use. Some municipalities have adopted zero waste goals or targets like 90% diversion. Achieving zero waste requires action across the product lifecycle—manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and waste managers all play roles. Critics note that true zero waste may be impractical, but the framework usefully challenges assumptions and drives waste reduction innovation.