What is the term for waste that cannot be recycled or reused?

The term for waste that cannot be recycled or reused is residual waste. This category includes items that do not fit into the conventional recycling or composting systems and ultimately end up in landfills. Residual waste can contain a combination of materials, including non-recyclable plastics, certain types of packaging, and contaminated items that cannot be processed.

Understanding residual waste is crucial for effective waste management and environmental conservation efforts, as it highlights the importance of reducing waste generation and promoting recycling initiatives to divert as much material as possible from landfills. The other types of waste mentioned, such as compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable waste, are all materials that can either be processed for reuse, broken down naturally, or repurposed, thus distinguishing them sharply from residual waste.