After years of dealing with waste after its generation, industries, businesses, institutions, and governmental entities are demonstrating increasing interest on preventing waste generation before it becomes a problem. Such measures include source reduction and recycling but do not include treatment technologies, such as incineration, that result in a decrease in volume but an increase in toxicity. Local governments should investigate source reduction opportunities for many reasons. Simple economics is one of the most persuasive justifications for establishing a source reduction program. Furthermore, a source reduction program enhances the public image of local governments.
Source reduction is achieved through three basic strategies.
The first method is inventory management and improved operations. Some opportunities for local governments to reduce their waste generation are listed below. Many of these source reduction opportunities may be applied to both non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams. Although these measures address source reduction opportunities, many strategies may also be used to enhance reuse and recycling. Management strategies Establish a pollution prevention policy with full support from top management and elected officials to operations supervisors and workers.