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Pollution Prevention and Recycling Action Plan
"Zero discharge of pollutants through strong prevention practices
is an ultimate goal we want to see all companies strive for."
James M. Seif, Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection
Pollution prevention and recycling can be effective tools in the community for reducing waste generation, eliminating disposal, reducing environmental pollution and saving funds which can be used for other initiatives. Click here for Pollution Prevention and Recycling Action Plan Indicators and Linkages
Goals and Objectives
Goals
- Reduce the production of waste at the source including solid and hazardous waste, air emissions, liquid discharges and energy consumption.waste, air emissions, liquid discharges and energy consumption. For wastes which cannot be reduced at the source, use reuse and recycling options to further reduce wastes needing treatment or disposal.
- Promote pollution prevention practices to achieve sustainable use of natural resources and protect the environment and human health.
Objectives
- Eliminate pollutants before they are produced.
- Replace hazardous chemicals with less toxic alternatives.
- Improve process efficiencies in order to use less material and less energy.
- Perform preventative maintenance to extend the useful life of products and equipment.
- Establish targets for materials reduction.
- Secondarily, look to the reuse and recycling of materials.
Recommendations for Action Planning
- Target and prioritize efforts by geographic area or resource, type of generator (residents, stores, offices, industry), type of pollutant, and cost to society.
- Identify state and federal legislation which supports and provides incentives for pollution prevention and recycling; consider adopting local legislation.
- Develop a pollution prevention and recycling strategy which includes businesses, industries and governmental agencies in the community.
- Establish targets for waste reduction which can be use by the private and public sector in the community.
- Reduce overall energy usage by providing guidance to business, industry, government agencies, and the consumer.
- Reduce vehicle miles traveled by improvements such as sidewalks, bike trails and car pooling.
- Use alternative fueled vehicles and alternative energy sources for home and the workplace which reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
- Provide education and tips to target markets.
- Put the community in touch with technical assistance resources.
For a good example of a Clean
Air Action Plan, examine the City of Fort Collins Air Quality Program.
Click here for Pollution Prevention and Recycling Action Plan Indicators and Linkages