Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program

Pollution Prevention (P2) and TRI

Learn about source reduction impacts 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.
Launch Tool
Use the Industry Profile Dashboard to explore TRI information for a particular industry, including the food, automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.
Download Excel files of all TRI P2 data

Learn About TRI P2 Resources

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.
Browse P2 Analyses and Publications for information on P2 opportunities and the benefits of P2 implementation.
Learn about other P2 resources such as EPA’s P2 Program and EPA's Sustainability Program and EPA efforts to achieve sustainable food management

Source Reduction Activities Reported to TRI

For 2017, a total of 1,581 facilities (7% of all TRI facilities) reported initiating 3,994 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.

Good Operating Practices
Examples:
- An aircraft parts manufacturer optimized the combination of part types in reactor runs to maximize the loading and minimize the number of reactor runs needed per year. (W14)
- A fabricated metal product manufacturer increased their periodic maintenance frequency to reduce the potential for equipment damage that renders solvent unusable. (W13)
Process Modifications
Examples:
- A truck trailer manufacturer installed a laser fabrication machine that creates less dust than the former plasma fabrication machine. (W52)
- A construction machinery manufacturer installed three large vertical tanks to eliminate drums and totes throughout the facility. (W54)
Spill and Leak Prevention
Examples:
- A petroleum bulk station reduced the gallons per minute flow rate when filling trucks in order to reduce the likelihood of truck overfill. (W32)
- A lubricating oil manufacturer implemented an inspection program to monitor for leaks. (W36)
Inventory Control
Examples:
- A chemical wholesaler identified sales rates for all products to reduce products expiring on shelf. (W21)
- A rubber product manufacturer held a Kaizen event to use outdated material in another process instead of discarding it. (W22)
Raw Material Modifications
Examples:
- A plastic food service products manufacturer modified its processes to reformulate polyester resin raw materials to a low-styrene alternative. (W43)
- A paint and coating manufacturer reduced the amount of solvent used and replaced it with more environmentally friendly material. (W42)
Product Modifications
Examples:
- An adhesive manufacturer modified product composition to reduce zinc releases. (W82)
- A rubber product manufacturer modified the formulation of an adhesive that contains lead to reduce the lead content. (W81)
Cleaning and Degreasing
Examples:
- A plastics material manufacturer changed cleaning solvents from methanol to isopropyl alcohol. (W71)
- A wiring device manufacturer was able to mechanically clean more products using different sizes of abrasive media. (W60)
Surface Preparation and Finishing
Examples:
- A fabricated structural metal manufacturer changed to paints with no or lower xylene content. (W73)
- A motor vehicle parts manufacturer changed a surface treatment machine to a new process which reduced scrap and is more stable in the bath, reducing the number of bath dumps required. (W78)