scraps

Scraps are remnants or leftovers produced during the production, processing, or consumption of goods that are typically discarded or diverted into recycling streams. The term spans edible and inedible materials and various industries.

Common types include edible food scraps such as vegetable peels and trimmings; metal scrap from manufacturing and discarded appliances; fabric or textile scraps; paper scraps; plastic scraps; wood scraps; and electronic or e-waste scraps.

Uses and management vary by material. Kitchen scraps are often composted or used to flavor stocks; in industry, scraps are collected for recycling or reclamation, with metal, paper, and plastics commonly reprocessed. Fabric offcuts can be repurposed for patchwork or crafts, and wood scraps may become particleboard or fuel.

Environmentally, processing scraps can reduce landfill load, conserve resources, and lower energy use relative to producing from virgin materials. However, some scraps pose hazards, such as contaminated metal, batteries, or chemicals, and require safe handling and proper disposal.

Economically, scrap markets exist for many materials, with pricing driven by commodity markets and demand for recycled products. Municipal programs encourage separation, composting, and recycling to manage scraps in a sustainable way.