An integrated approach to waste minimization/pollution prevention

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:250875

Usinowicz, P J ^[1]

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1. Environmental Resources Management, Inc., Exton, PA (United States)

Pollution prevention and waste minimization can be the most successful and cost-effective approaches to waste management. Businesses report reduced materials cost, increased profits, improved environmental awareness among employees, and enhanced public image. Every organization has different requirements for pollution prevention based on this perception of the impact of regulations, costs, future liabilities, public image, and competitive position. A ``continuous environment improvement`` approach for pollution prevention is a preferred approach because it allows the rational and incremental evaluations, assessments, and implementation steps for preventing or reducing pollution. Elimination or reduction of pollutants at the source is preferable. When this is not possible, the focus shifts to the recycling, reuse, or reclamation of wastes, or proper treatment and disposal of wastes to the land, air, or water. Properly implemented, pollution prevention gives industry the opportunity to have the best of both worlds-increased profitability and reduced environmental liabilities.

• OSTI ID: 250875
• Report Number(s): CONF-9507204--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MATERIALS RECOVERY
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
WASTE MANAGEMENT