The cost of waste is not merely the cost of disposal. It's not so much the cost of getting rid of waste but the value of what is being discarded.

The true cost of waste will include:

• costs of materials,
• energy,
• resources
• staff wages

That have gone into producing the "waste" material.

Thus implementing waste management can lead to opportunities for businesses to improve process efficiency whilst reducing costs. The company can reduce waste in the manufacturing process, re-use refurbished or rescued components, or use recycled or secondary materials in the manufacture, transportation and use of the product. In the wider context companies who are seen to re-cycle and promote responsible resource management can benefit from an improved "green" image which can lead to enhanced sales.