When looking for pollution prevention opportunities, consider targeting products or processes with the following characteristics:

• Have high purchase and/or disposal costs
• Are toxic (reference the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS))
• Generate state or federally regulated waste
• Have high use (raw materials or resources) or release rate (waste, emissions, wastewater)
• Emit hazardous air pollutants
• Contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Leaks or spill residue
• Poorly operating equipment
• Release dust

Rethinking processes can create ways to reduce production waste, cutting both pollution and costs.  Processes can also be re-evaluated to determine if they are necessary to daily operations or can occur less frequently. For example:

• Can parts be cleaned prior to using solvents?
• Can machinery be adjusted to more efficiently utilize materials?
• Would no or fewer hard copies of a report, email, etc. be adequate?
• Can documents be edited on the computer rather than printing a hard copy?
• Does the oil need to be changed in all pieces of equipment at the same time even if it may be unnecessary?
• Is it necessary to clean according to the current frequency or can the frequency of general facility cleaning be reduced?
• Can small quantities of leftover paints of different colors be mixed and used for painting new surfaces?

Alternative materials for cleaning, coating, lubrication, and other processes can prevent costly hazardous waste generation, air emissions, and worker health risks.  Before switching products consider the following:

• Will the substitute work as well?
• Will the substitute generate a different type of waste stream or release?
• Will the substitute require purchasing additional equipment?
• When looking for alternative products, coordinate through your purchasing department and develop policies that favor less toxic products when available.
• Train staff on policies.
• Remember that affordable does not necessarily mean less expensive.  Affordable can sometimes mean a higher initial price; consider the entire life cycle of the product.

Find another way to reuse materials on site.  For example:

• Distill used solvents.
• Capture heat from discharge water or gases to be reused in another part of the manufacturing process.
• Reuse cardboard boxes.
• If materials cannot be reused on-site, look for off-site recycling opportunities or waste exchanges.

Using energy, water, and other production inputs more efficiently helps keep air and water clean, reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, cuts operating costs, and improves productivity.

• Use fluorescent light bulbs and motion sensors or timers.
• Install low-flow fixtures on showers and sinks.
• Purchase energy-efficient equipment; look for the ENERGY STAR logo.
• Power down equipment when not in use.
• Use power strips to prevent power loss when equipment is not in use.
• Turn down water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and insulate.
• Adjust the heat and air conditioner down at night and during weekends and holidays.
• Use vehicle fleets efficiently by driving the speed limit, checking the tire pressure regularly, mapping out trips, and turning off the engine when parked.

Rethinking day-to-day operations and maintenance activities can help root out wasteful practices that drive up costs and cause pollution.  Housekeeping and inventory controls are some of the easiest and least expensive hazardous waste reduction alternatives to implement.  Consider the following questions:

Segregation of different waste streams can lead to substantial cost savings and increase opportunities for recycling or reuse.  Be sure to:

• Label all materials to prevent mixing.
• Store materials separately.
• Look at all departments for segregation opportunities.

Pollution Prevention Resource Center