2021 TRI Preliminary Dataset

The 2021 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) preliminary dataset contains data about chemical releases, waste management and pollution prevention activities that took place during 2021 at more than 20,000 federal and industrial facilities across the country.

The TRI preliminary dataset is available each July through September, giving the public access to the most recent TRI information, prior to EPA finalizing the National Analysis dataset in October. EPA publishes the National Analysis report, based on the October dataset, early the following calendar year. The data are available below.

• Introduction
• Frequently asked questions
• Get 2021 data with Envirofacts
• Download 2021 data
• Understand the data

Introduction

The 2021 TRI preliminary dataset consists of TRI data for calendar year 2021. Users should note that while these preliminary data have undergone the basic data quality checks included in the online TRI reporting software, they have not undergone the complete TRI data quality process. In addition, EPA does not aggregate or summarize these data, or offer any analysis or interpretation of them.

You can use the TRI preliminary dataset to:

• Identify how many TRI facilities operate in a certain geographic area (for example, a ZIP code), 
• Identify which chemicals are being managed by TRI facilities and in what quantities, and
• Find out if a particular facility initiated any pollution prevention activities in the most recent calendar year.

EPA will update the dataset several times in August and September based on information from facilities. EPA plans to publish the quality-checked 2021 dataset in October 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the preliminary dataset complete?

No, the preliminary dataset is not complete. EPA will update the preliminary dataset several times in response to late submissions and revisions submitted by facilities. The 2021 dataset made available in October 2022, will be the basis for the 2021 TRI National Analysis.

Did EPA collect any different TRI data for the 2021 reporting year?

Yes, for Reporting Year 2021, four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were added to the TRI chemical list, per the requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Facilities were required to report on these chemicals for calendar year 2021 if TRI reporting requirements were met.  

Also for RY 2021, EPA revised and reduced the TRI source reduction activity codes to improve clarity and better reflect industrial activity. There are now 24 activity (S) codes corresponding to five categories. 

Can I access pollution prevention (P2) information reported to TRI in 2021?

P2 data reported by TRI facilities for 2021 can be found in Envirofacts and in the downloadable data files. In September 2022, EPA plans to update the TRI P2 Search Tool to include 2021 data. This tool allows you to access, visualize, and analyze TRI’s P2 data.

When will the 2021 TRI data be available in the other online TRI tools, such as TRI Explorer and the TRI Toxics Tracker?

EPA plans to update the other online TRI tools with the 2021 dataset later in 2022. An announcement about the availability of these updated tools will appear on the TRI homepage and TRI listserv subscribers will also be notified via email.

Does the absence of 2021 data for a particular facility mean that the facility is out of compliance with TRI requirements?

No, the absence of 2021 data for a facility is not necessarily an indication that the facility is out of compliance. The facility's TRI forms may still be undergoing processing, or the facility may not have met TRI reporting thresholds and therefore wasn't required to report for 2021. As in every reporting year, EPA undertakes many activities to identify facilities that are not compliant with TRI reporting requirements, and to verify the quality of the data received. This process is ongoing.

Have any data quality checks been performed on the data?

Facilities use online software called TRI-MEweb to submit TRI data. TRI-MEweb includes many automated data quality checks that help facilities catch common mistakes and submit data of optimal quality. EPA is now conducting additional data quality checks on submitted data. If EPA or a facility detect an error on a submitted TRI reporting form, the facility is required to submit a revised form.

What else should I know?

Note that TRI data only reflect submissions received by EPA from facilities that meet TRI reporting requirements. Other facilities in your area may be releasing toxic chemicals but either were not required to report to the TRI Program or have not yet submitted their 2021 data. In addition, a TRI facility may be managing a toxic chemical for which the TRI reporting threshold was not exceeded, resulting in that chemical not being reported to the TRI Program.

Get 2021 Data with Envirofacts

You can find preliminary 2021 TRI data in the TRI-specific searches in Envirofacts:

• TRI Search - View TRI facility-level data in an easy-to-use format that includes charts and graphs. This is the recommended Envirofacts search option for new TRI users and those who want to quickly access a facility's data in the most user-friendly format.
• TRI Reporting Form R Search - View a facility's TRI data on a copy of its Reporting Form R.
• TRI Reporting Form R and Form A Download - Select and download data elements from the Reporting Form R and Form A.
• TRI EZ Search - Create a report on a single subject area (e.g., "discharges to water") using a limited set of TRI data elements.
• TRI Customized Search - Create a report on multiple subject areas using the most comprehensive set of TRI data elements.

Download 2021 Data

Please note that these downloadable files are recommended for experienced TRI data users due to the format of the files which may be viewed in Excel or another spreadsheet application:

• Basic - Contains the most commonly requested data fields from the Reporting Form R and Form A.
• Basic Plus - Collectively contains all of the data fields from the Reporting Form R and Form A. The 10 Basic Plus file types are tab-delimited .txt files bundled into a .zip file.
• Dioxin, Dioxin-Like Compounds and Toxic Equivalency - Includes the individually reported dioxin mass quantity data from the TRI Reporting Form R Schedule 1, with associated toxic equivalency data. Data are presented in .csv (comma-separated value) file format.

Understand the Data

• Look Inside of a TRI Facility: TRI terms and concepts are explained in the context of a fictional TRI facility.
• Common TRI Terms: Simplified definitions of common terms found on the TRI reporting form and in online TRI tools. 
• Factors to Consider When Using TRI Data: A guide to help users understand and use TRI data.

You can also send us your question or comment: tri.help@epa.gov