In the waste hierarchy, which step is given the highest priority?

• A. Recycling first, then disposal.
• B. Prevention, minimization, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal; prioritize prevention and reuse and then recycling to minimize landfill.
• C. Landfill is always preferred.
• D. Energy recovery before prevention.

Answer: (B)

The waste hierarchy orders actions to reduce environmental impact from most to least preferable. The top priority is preventing waste in the first place, followed by minimizing what is produced, then reusing items, then recycling, with energy recovery as a secondary option before disposal. This option aligns with that ordering, emphasizing prevention and reuse before recycling to minimize landfill. Other choices misplace steps or suggest disposal or energy recovery ahead of prevention, which would undermine efforts to reduce waste and conserve resources.