Pollution prevention is multimedia source reduction that reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. Hazardous waste source reduction causes a net reduction in the generation of hazardous waste or a lessening of the properties, which cause it to be classified as a hazardous waste.
California passed the Hazardous Waste Source Reduction and Management Review Act of 1989 (SB 14) to promote source reduction in the generation of hazardous waste.
If you produce more than 12,000 kilograms of hazardous waste or 12 kilograms or more of extremely hazardous waste in a reporting year, you must prepare a plan, a performance report, and a summary progress report by September 1, 1999 and every four years thereafter. For a more detailed explanation of requirements for each of these documents, contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Pollution Prevention and Technology Development, P.O. Box 806, Sacramento, CA 95812-0806, (916) 322-3670.
Implementation of source reduction technologies by a business generates benefits such as reduction in waste disposal costs, reduction in regulation, liability, and employee exposure to hazardous materials.
Numerous business resources/documents addressing hazardous waste reduction are available through our office, including checklists and assessment manuals:
