Chapter # 1 Introduction To Pollution Prevention

“We have learned the inherent limitations of treating and burning wastes. A problem solved in one part of the environment may become a new problem in another part. We must curtail pollution closer to its origin so that it is not transferred from place to place.” William Reilly former U.S. EPA Administrator 1990

Introduction s What is Pollution Prevention? u 3M Case! u could never achieve goals through treatment u moves wastes from one media to another u Solution! –Adopt 3Ps: Pollution Prevention Pays –Prevent Pollution at the source –Conserve natural resources through reuse, reclamation etc. – Meet all Federal, State and Local regulations

Process Raw Materials Energy Products Waste to Environment (a) Past Industrial Practices Process Raw Materials Energy Products Residual Waste to Environment Waste Treatment (b) Recent Industrial Practices Process Raw Materials Energy Products Residuals Recycle Reuse Reclamation Recycles Secondary Products Waste Treatment Residual Recent & Proposed Industrial Waste Management Practices (c) Preferred Industrial Practices

Zero Pollution is a Goal, But Usually Never Totally Achievable

What is Pollution Prevention? s Reducing or eliminating toxic materials u replacing a material in the production line u reformulating the product u installing new or modifying existing process equipment s Closed loop (on-site) recycling s Developing new technology that helps others implement P2 s Involves holistic approach

What P2 is NOT? s End of pipe treatment s Open loop (off site) recycling s Incineration or disposal s Burning waste for energy recovery s Transferring waste from one medium to other s Incorporation of waste into products or by- products

EPA Pollution Prevention Definition The use of materials, processes, or practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source. It includes practices that reduce the use of hazardous materials, energy, water or other resources and practices that protect natural resources through conservation or more efficient use

P2 Hierarchy

A waste is a resource out of place. What is Waste?