Pollution prevention is the reduction or elimination of discharges or emissions to the environment. Each of the pollution prevention practices described in this fact sheet is an extension of the simple but powerful idea that it makes far more sense to eliminate the generation of waste than to develop complex and costly treatment schemes once it has been generated. Pollution prevention is good business. While most pollution control strategies cost money, pollution prevention has saved many firms thousands of dollars in treatment and disposal costs alone. Many companies have already discovered the tremendous benefits of pollution prevention.
Smaller companies can also benefit.
Reduce vulnerability to lawsuits and improve its public image Generate income from wastes that can be sold. A systematic approach will produce better results than piecemeal efforts. An essential first step is a comprehensive waste audit. The waste audit should systematically evaluate opportunities for improved operating procedures, process modifications, process redesign and recycling. List all generated waste Identify the composition of the waste and the source of each substance Identify options to reduce the generation of these substances in the production or manufacturing process Focus on wastes that are most hazardous and techniques that are most easily implemented Compare the technical and economic feasibility of the options identified Evaluate the results and schedule periodic reviews of the program so it can be adapted to reflect changes in regulations, technology, and economic feasibility.