Pollution Prevention - Source Reduction

The Pollution Prevention Act (1990) defines "source reduction" as any practice that reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant entering a waste stream prior to recycling, treatment or disposal and that reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances or pollutants.

Source reduction is the most effective means of waste minimization.

Laboratory workers can actively participate in source reduction.

An effective source reduction method is to use alternative nonhazardous products in place of hazardous products.

Source reduction also may be accomplished through improved operating practices.

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