desperdicio

Desperdicio is a Spanish noun that denotes waste, discard, or squandered resources. It is derived from the verb desperdiciar, formed with a prefixed des- and a root related to perder or pérdida (loss). The term is common across Spanish-speaking countries and is used in both everyday language and formal discourse to refer to the improper use or loss of materials, energy, or time.

In everyday and policy contexts, desperdicio covers a range of phenomena, from food waste to broader resource inefficiency. Desperdicio alimentario refers specifically to food that is produced but not consumed, a concern in environmental, economic, and social discussions. More generally, desperdicio can describe waste of water, energy, raw materials, or capital, and is central to debates about sustainability and circular economy practices.

In production and logistics, desperdicio often denotes waste generated during manufacturing, such as scrap, defective items, or excess inventory. It can also reflect inefficiencies that raise costs or reduce productivity. Efforts to reduce desperdicio typically involve process optimization, better planning, inventory management, and improvements in storage and handling.

Related terms include residuos or desechos (residues or remnants) and basura (garbage). While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday language, each carries specific nuances: desperdicio emphasizes wastefulness or inefficiency, whereas residuos and desechos focus more on discarded materials or leftovers.