Overview of waste reduction techniques leading to pollution prevention
- North Carolina Dept. of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC (United States)
Liquid, solid, and/or gaseous waste materials are always generated during the manufacture of any product. In addition to creating environmental hazards, these wastes represent losses of valuable materials and energy from the production process and require a significant investment in pollution control. Traditionally, pollution control relies on ``end-of-the-pipe`` and ``out-the-back-door`` management approaches that require labor hours, energy, materials, and capital expenditures. Such an approach removes pollutants from one source, such as wastewater, but places them somewhere else, such as in a landfill. More regulations, higher disposal expenses, increased liability costs, and increased public awareness have caused industrial and governmental leaders to begin critical examinations of end-of-the-pipe control technologies. The value of reducing waste during the manufacturing process has become apparent to many industries. These companies are looking at broader environmental management objectives, rather than concentrating solely on pollution control. Waste reduction not only is very often economically beneficial for an industry, it also improves the quality of the environment.
- OSTI ID:
- 99340
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Industrial pollution prevention handbook; Freeman, H.M. [ed.] [Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH (United States)]; PB: 961 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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