Abstract
The paper aims at supporting and catalysing discussions (and possible options) on how the widely common waste management
concept could be efficiently transformed to a level where phasing out residual waste becomes technically feasible. As such, this
paper presents thoughts on the (possible) future meaning of term “waste”, but it also addresses the important relationship between
the terms “waste” and “level of country development”. Although this research greatly deals with policy issues, the analysis shows
that the crucial role in delivering the path of development will be in the hands of chemical and environmental engineers.
However, it will be necessary to break the link between economic growth and waste growth/management/prevention.