What is Pollution Prevention (P2) ?

Pollution Prevention targets the processes or practices that generate waste and aims to reduce or eliminate waste at the source. 

P2 Best Management Practices (BMPs) include:

• the use of less hazardous materials,
• using more efficient processes or practices to reduce materials waste,
• reducing the use of natural resources such as energy and water through conservation

Click HERE for Sector Specific BMPs

The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 established a hierarchy
of preferred approaches to environmental protection.

First choice:

pollution should be prevented at the source whenever possible.

Second:

If waste streams cannot be prevented, they should be reused, recycled.

Third:

Treat the waste.

Last Choice:

Disposal should be the last resort.

For Businesses, Local Governments, Organizations, Tribes, and Pueblos,  P2 can mean: