LGC: Waste Prevention : Hazardous Waste Management

Protecting the quality of our water, soil, and air by preventing the release of toxic compounds is the main focus of hazardous waste prevention programs. In addition to promoting proper storage and disposal of toxic waste, many programs are emphasizing pollution prevention.

Pollution prevention (or P2 for short) reduces pollution at the source before it is generated. For industry, utilizing P2 techniques can result in more efficient, less-polluting industrial processes that improve competitiveness and environmental compliance. For the public, practicing P2 through simple activities such as using nontoxic cleaning supplies, purchasing an electric lawn mower and carpooling to work, can help save money and improve local environmental quality.

Local Government Commission Programs

The Local Government Commission has assisted hazardous waste prevention programs to promote P2 through development of the following initiatives:

Janitorial Products – Pollution Prevention Project

The LGC teamed up with pollution prevention consultant, Tom Barron, to help janitors in Richmond, CA and Santa Barbara, CA understand the potential health risks of the products that they use. The project team conducts reviews of janitorial cleaning supplies, and provides purchasing managers and janitors with demonstrations of less toxic but equally effective alternatives. For more information about the project, visit: http://www.wrppn.org/Janitorial/jp4.cfm.

National Pollution Prevention Week

National Pollution Prevention (P2) Week is an annual public education campaign focused on providing businesses and citizens the resources and information they need to successfully implement pollution prevention strategies. Held the third week of September, P2 Week brings together local, state and federal government agencies, industry associations, and others to hold events that highlight and promote the benefits of pollution prevention.

For more information about P2 Week, check out the campaign's web site at: http://www.p2.org/p2week/index.cfm

Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network (WRPPN)

WRPPN is a cooperative alliance of pollution prevention (P2) programs throughout the western region of the United States. WRPPN focuses on regional P2 issues through researching, consolidating and disseminating P2 information. The network increases P2 effectiveness by providing programs with timely, accurate and useful information and resources. Check out the WRPPN's interactive web site at: http://www.westp2net.org/.

Local Government Commission Programs

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