What are diversion goals in the context of waste management?

Diversion goals in waste management refer to objectives aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills by promoting alternatives such as recycling, composting, and reuse. When these goals are encouraged by law without penalties for non-achievement, it creates a motivational framework for municipalities, businesses, and individuals to participate in sustainable waste practices.

This legal encouragement can take the form of incentives or funding for recycling programs, public awareness campaigns, and access to resources that facilitate waste diversion. The absence of penalties fosters a collaborative environment where stakeholders are more likely to engage in these practices voluntarily rather than being coerced by punitive measures, ultimately leading to a more sustainable waste management approach.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of diversion goals. For instance, linking diversion rates to penalties or strictly to specific materials could deter participation or lead to non-compliance, while fluctuation with market demands does not establish a consistent framework for encouraging waste diversion over the long term.