**4.1 The waste hierarchy**

The aim of the waste hierarchy is to recognize the problem and to generate the suitable environment friendly product from the waste. As shown in **Figure 1**, 'prevention' is the most favorable and disposal is the least favorable activity in the waste management 'pyramid'. It has been advised to consider the social and economic impacts as well as the environmental, the waste hierarchy, as a framework, primarily focuses on delivering the best environmental option by the European Waste Framework Directive (European Parliament Council, 2008).
