Small businesses, as well as large business, may also be hampered by the notion that reduction of wastes, or pollution prevention, is strictly an environmental issue. In fact, pollution prevention is really an economic issue. Pollution prevention in the broader context of waste reduction can be recognized as a cost reduction opportunity. Any business or company, whether it be a manufacturer, service provider, or retail outlet, understands that waste in any form erodes the profitability of that organization. It doesn't matter whether the waste is material resources, energy, labor, or space.
Pollution prevention is a strategy to eliminate material waste from being generated.
Many small businesses, especially non-manufacturers, may believe that they don't generate hazardous wastes. But hardware stores or general merchandise stores with similar product lines, for example, have a wide variety of hazardous materials in those products. Damaged containers, leaks and spills are a part of that business. Proper maintenance for many businesses includes managing cleaning products, paints, boiler maintenance chemicals, and lawn and garden chemicals that are potential sources of hazardous waste. With solid waste, businesses are required to have a recycling program in place.