Department of
Environmental Quality

The best way to reduce waste and other pollution is to avoid producing it in the first place. Pollution prevention (P2) is any activity—including the use of materials, processes, or practices—that reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants or waste at the source. Instead of trying to manage the wastes or pollutants through treatment or disposal methods, P2 aims to prevent the initial generation or reduce the toxicity of wastes and pollutants such as hazardous waste, air pollutants, solid waste, wastewater, etc.

P2 also includes any activity that reduces the toxicity of materials purchased or reduces the consumption of resources such as raw materials, water, energy, or fuel. By employing pollution prevention practices, stakeholders can enhance productivity, save money, improve workplace safety, reduce liability, and conserve natural resources.