Source Reduction ENVM 649: Principles of Waste Management and Pollution Control Dr. Robert Beauchamp

TO ACCOMPLISH REDUCING WASTE GENERATION: n CHANGE PRODUCT & PACKAGING DESIGN. n USE BENIGN SUBSTITUTES. n EXTEND PRODUCT LIFE. n USE BIODEGRADABLE INKS.

SOURCE REDUCTION - TWO MEANINGS n REDUCE AMOUNT OF WASTE n REDUCE ITS TOXICITY CAN BE A TRADE OFF. n ACCOMPLISHED BY: –PRODUCT REDESIGN. – CONSUMER PRODUCT SELECTION. – INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES n IS NOT RECYCLING/ COMPOSTING OR HOUSEHOLD WASTE COLLECTION.

SOURCE REDUCTION PLANNING: n WHAT IS TO BE REDUCED? n HOW MUCH OF IT? n HOW TO MEASURE RESULTS? n POLICY STATEMENT & GOALS?

SOURCE REDUCTION PROGRAM: n REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM: –STAFF SKILLS –UNDERSTAND BEHAVIOR CHANGE CAN MINIMIZE WASTE. –ABLE TO PLAN & PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. n BARRIERS TO THE PROGRAM: –RESULTS NOT IMMEDIATE. –RETURN ON INVESTMENT IS SLOW.

SOURCE REDUCTION PROGRAM: n EDUCATION: –GOVERNMENTS PUBLISH & DISTRIBUTE MATERIALS. INCLUDE WASTE EDUCATION IN CURRICULUMS. n ECONOMIC INCENTIVES: –VARIABLE DISPOSAL FEES –TAXES & TAX CREDITS –REFUND SYSTEMS

REGULATORY METHODS: n REGULATIONS n BANS n POLLUTOR PAYS (EUROPE)