Click For Print Friendly Version

A Primer on P2 – Pollution Prevention

Back in the winter of 2002, we published a pollution prevention article designed to help you reduce your non-compliance risk and cut operating costs by minimizing waste at its source. Because this topic never grows old, we thought this AWARE article was “Worth Repeating.”

What is Pollution Prevention?

Pollution is the contamination of air, soil, or water by the discharge of harmful substances. Pollution prevention is the reduction or elimination of pollution at the source (source reduction) instead of at the end-of-the-pipe or stack. Pollution prevention occurs when raw materials, water, energy and other resources are utilized more efficiently, when less harmful substances are substituted for hazardous ones, and when toxic substances are eliminated from the production process. By reducing the use and production of hazardous substances, and by operating more efficiently, we protect human health, strengthen our economic well-being and preserve the environment.

(Source: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable.)

Benefits of P2

Utilizing pollution prevention practices can:

  • Lower a shop's operational and environmental compliance costs.
  • Reduce or eliminate long-term liabilities and cleanup costs by preventing waste generation.
  • Reduce disposal costs by decreasing the volume of waste products.
  • Reduce workplace exposures to hazardous materials that can affect workers' health and productivity.
  • Reduce the need for on-site storage space.
  • Increase the likelihood a shop will be in compliance with local, state and federal compliance regulations.

(Source: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable.)

P2 Through Housekeeping

Basic housekeeping measures can cut waste generation, improve efficiency, and provide a safer shop.

  • Keep your storage and work areas clean and well organized. This saves time and money spent in searching for materials, and reduces potential accidents, spills and leaks.
  • Ensure that all containers are properly labeled. Labels provide information on a product's ingredients, the hazards associated with using the product, and the product's shelf life.

(Source: Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program)

P2 Options
P2 for Used Oil
  • Keep used oil separate from other wastes.
  • If you remove oil-laden parts, place them on a drip pan rather than the floor.
  • Do not use the oil drip pan to collect antifreeze or solvent.
  • Have separate storage containers for antifreeze, solvents or other fluids that could accidentally be mixed with used oil.
  • Clean spills with an absorbent that can be wrung out and reused. A biodegradable soap and water solution may be used to clean up oil sheens.

(Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources Technical Assistance Program.)

P2 for Used Oil Filters
  • When removing the oil filter, use a drip pan under the vehicle to catch oil spills.
  • When draining filters, carefully collect the oil to avoid spills.
  • Recycle the used oil filter through a scrap metal or used oil filter recycler.

(Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources Technical Assistance Program.)

P2 for Wastewater Management
  • Use drip pans to catch leaks before they hit the floor.
  • Use absorbents to clean up minor fluid leaks and spills
  • Sweep floors prior to washing.
  • Accumulate all sludge in a closed, marked container. Determine if they are hazardous waste and dispose of properly.
  • Use biodegradable soap and water to do final cleaning.

(Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources Technical Assistance Program.)

P2 for Solvent Cleaners
  • Reduce the need to clean.
  • Use less toxic solvents
  • Use solvents carefully.
  • Re-examine solvent sink operating procedures.
  • Reduce evaporative losses.
  • Recycle spent solvents.

(Source: U.S. EPA Region 9, Waste Minimization Unit.)

P2 for Handling Paint and Solvent Containers
  • Use tight-fitting lids, connections, and spigots. Since solvents are volatile, large quantities will be lost to evaporation if not stored in tightly sealed containers.
  • Use spigots or pumps to transfer material, especially thinner.
  • Move drums with powered equipment or hand trucks to prevent damage and punctures; do not tip or roll drums, even if empty.

(Source: Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program.)

A proactive P2 program reduces operating costs through reduction in waste-stream volume. It reduces your compliance risks through increased awareness and improved shop management practices. And, proactive pollution prevention makes your shop a cleaner, more appealing place for your associates and your customers.