Pollution Prevention (P2) means reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream.
Pollution prevention means “source reduction,” as defined under the Pollution Prevention Act, and other practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants through:
• increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources, or
• protection of natural resources by conservation.
The Pollution Prevention Act defines “source reduction” to mean any practice which reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment (including fugitive emissions) prior to recycling, treatment or disposal; and reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
P2 can include: equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, reformulation or redesign or products, substitution of raw materials, and improvements in housekeeping, maintenance, training, or inventory control.