Pollution Prevention (P2) and TRI
Under the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA), the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program collects information to track industry progress in reducing waste generation and moving towards safer waste management alternatives. Many facilities provide descriptions of measures they have taken to prevent pollution and reduce the amount of toxic chemicals entering the environment. As a result, TRI serves as a tool for identifying effective environmental practices and highlighting pollution prevention successes.
Access TRI's P2 Data
- Use the TRI P2 Search Tool to get info by industry sector, chemical, geography or parent company, and compare environmental performance.
- Use the TRI Toxics Tracker to explore TRI information and quickly filter by industry sector, type of source reduction activity, and other variables.
- Use the P2 EJ Facility Mapping Tool to identify facilities reporting to EPA in or adjacent to underserved communities. Includes information from TRI, the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, and other EPA datasets.
Learn About TRI P2 Resources
- Browse P2 Analyses and Publications for information on P2 opportunities and the benefits of P2 implementation.
- Browse TRI's collection of P2 resources, including factsheets, videos, tips for reporting P2 activities to TRI, and how-to guidance for conducting analyses with the TRI P2 Search Tool.
For 2021, a total of 1,630 facilities (8% of all TRI facilities) reported initiating 3,490 new source reduction activities. Good operating practices, process modifications, and spill and leak prevention were the activities reported most frequently. Click on the legend or graph to see examples of source reduction activities; reported codes are included in parentheses.
P2 Examples
- A communication equipment manufacturer automated its lead solder application and switched to thinner stencils to reduce lead waste generated. (S21)
- A wood cabinet manufacturer added a straight-line machine that is more efficient than hand spraying to reduce use of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene. (S23)
- A separation technology manufacturer increased batch sizes to extend operation times and reduce n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone waste generated during start up and shut down procedures. (S41)
- A chemical manufacturer installed a new reactor sample valve that eliminates one in-process sample and requires less purge material before taking samples to reduce associated phenol waste. (S44)
- A transportation equipment manufacturer purchased sheets closer in size to cuts needed to reduce scrap metal waste for nickel, lead and manganese compounds. (S31)
- A chemical manufacturer increased the use of 55-gallon drums instead of smaller containers to reduce n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone chemical handling and workload associated with manual repacking. (S35)
- A commercial air conditioning company began substituting the primary refrigerant used in products from HCFC-123-to R514A to reduce HCFC-123. (S04)
- An architectural metal work manufacturer replaced liquid paint with powder coating in its operations to reduce releases of methyl isobutyl ketone. (S06)
- An aircraft engine manufacturer transitioned its product line from solid titanium fan blades to composite blades with bonded titanium sheaths, which reduced chemical milling and the use of hydrogen fluoride and nitric acid. (S11)
- A chemical wholesaler improved its techniques and equipment for product packaging through an internal audit to reduce accidental liquid and vapor releases of sulfuric acid. (S13)