Waste Management Waste management involves controlling costs by maximizing the edible portions of the product during preparation and plating (product maximization). It also involves minimizing the amount of the product that is left over (leftover management). Product Maximization Product maximization refers to processes that enable an operation to gain the largest possible yield (edible portion) from a food item. This is achieved by proper trimming and cooking of a raw product and by complete removal of the product from its container. For example, suppose Catherine's Café purchases whole cantaloupes to make melon wedges. The rind and seeds are removed before each cantaloupe is cut into wedges for serving. The goal of product maximization is to obtain the greatest EP, or edible portion, by trimming away only as much of the rind as necessary. This minimizes the loss of edible portion when the rind is thrown away. This principle also applies to food items that must be removed from containers, such as canned pudding or tomato sauce. Product maximization is accomplished by ensuring that all of the product is removed from the can before the can is thrown away.