<P> In 1975, The European Union's Waste Framework Directive (1975 / 442 / EEC) introduced for the first time the waste hierarchy concept into European waste policy . It emphasized the importance of waste minimization, and the protection of the environment and human health, as a priority . Following the 1975 Directive, European Union policy and legislation adapted to the principles of the waste hierarchy . </P> <P> In 1989, it was formalized into a hierarchy of management options in the European Commission's Community Strategy for Waste Management and this waste strategy was further endorsed in the Commission's review in 1996 . </P> <P> In 2008, the European Union parliament introduced a new five - step waste hierarchy to its waste legislation, Directive 2008 / 98 / EC, which member states must introduce into national waste management laws . Article 4 of the directive lays down a five - step hierarchy of waste management options which must be applied by Member States in this priority order . </P> <P> Waste prevention, as the preferred option, is followed by reuse, recycling, recovery including energy recovery and as a last option, safe disposal . </P>

The most favored method for waste management per the epa is