zero-waste
adjective
ze·ro-waste
ˈzir-(ˌ)ō-wāst 
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō-ˈ
variants
or zero waste
: generating little or no waste
a zero-waste event
zero-waste manufacturing
zero waste
noun
The creative waste management strategy of "zero waste" is a combination of community and industrial responsibility that includes deconstruction in spite of demolition, composting to keep odorous organic waste out of landfills, recycling, and a screening facility to allow more separation and reuse of waste rather than incineration.
—
Aimee Dolloff
Aimee Dolloff
Examples of zero-waste in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Beyond cutting emissions, this approach could help cities manage rising waste volumes while supporting their zero-waste goals.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2025
The guide also honored sustainability leaders with new Green Star designations, including January in Franklin, recognized for its innovation, leadership, zero-waste kitchen and commitment to local sourcing.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
The class is taught by Chef Diego Lucero, an advocate for local food and zero-waste cooking, who is also a team member at Bodega Loya, a small farm in Socorro, New Mexico., dedicated to growing seasonal fruits and vegetables using sustainable practices.
—Stacey Zable, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Revolution offers two wine club memberships — a traditional three-or-six-bottles-quarterly option and a unique zero-waste refill club.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zero-waste
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2025
The guide also honored sustainability leaders with new Green Star designations, including January in Franklin, recognized for its innovation, leadership, zero-waste kitchen and commitment to local sourcing.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
The class is taught by Chef Diego Lucero, an advocate for local food and zero-waste cooking, who is also a team member at Bodega Loya, a small farm in Socorro, New Mexico., dedicated to growing seasonal fruits and vegetables using sustainable practices.
—Stacey Zable, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Revolution offers two wine club memberships — a traditional three-or-six-bottles-quarterly option and a unique zero-waste refill club.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zero-waste
Cite this Entry
“Zero-waste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero-waste. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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