Waste

Dictionary Definition

1. (Spoilage) The volume of material lost during the production process. Acceptable levels of waste, (which are known as normal losses), are part of the cost of production, as such, they are allowed for in the production process.
2. Refers to any process (or activity) that doesn’t add value.

Also:

1. A wasteland; an uninhabited desolate region; a wilderness or desert.
2. A place that has been laid waste or destroyed.
3. A large tract of uncultivated land.

n. 1) any damage to real property by a tenant which lessens its value to the landlord, owner or future owner. An owner can sue for damages for waste, terminate a lease of one committing waste and/or obtain an injunction against further waste. 2) garbage, which may include poisonous effluents.