In 1990, passage of the Pollution Prevention (P2) Act expanded the nation’s waste prevention policy beyond a RCRA-only framework, to minimizing or eliminating toxic releases to all environmental media and natural resources. The Pollution Prevention Act has encouraged many organizations to expand their focus from RCRA-only to a multimedia pollution prevention focus. EPA offers a variety of information sources on multimedia pollution prevention.
What is Waste Minimization?
Waste Minimization refers to the use of source reduction and/or environmentally sound recycling methods prior to energy recovery, treatment, or disposal of wastes. In 1984, amendments to RCRA established the policy of making waste minimization the nation’s preferred hazardous waste management practice.
Who is required to develop a plan?
While it may vary from state to state, most facilities that are required to develop a plan are either Hazardous Waste Generators (Large or Small) and/or SARA 313 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Form R filers.
What are requirements of the plan?
The plan requires the facility to review and evaluate all waste materials generated at the site on an annual basis. This review, which includes site management, looks for opportunities to eliminate, minimize, recycle, or reuse potential waste materials. The plan identifies the waste streams, annual disposal amounts, reasons for increases and decreases, and includes a review with management for minimization opportunities. This program typically requires submittal of an annual report (due by July 31st in MS) to the local environmental regulatory agency. For more information on Waste Minimization, click on the following links: EPA source and MDEQ source.
For questions about plan or report submission requirements, contact Environmental Compliance & Safety at:
- Phone: (662) 840 5945
- Website: https://envirocomp.net/contact/
