Beyond Waste home > Progress Report > Hazardous Substances Reduced

Hazardous Substances Reduced

This indicator tracks annual reductions in the amount of toxic or other hazardous chemicals used by larger businesses in Washington. Since 2005, total reductions amount to over 30 million pounds.

Reducing the volume of hazardous substances used in commerce is important because the risk from toxic chemicals doesn't begin with a leaking drum at an industrial site; it begins when chemicals are used to make products or deliver services. Safe hazardous waste management is essential to protecting human health and the environment, but avoiding the use of toxic chemicals in the first place is the smartest, cheapest, and healthiest approach.

Hazardous Substances Reduced Data

This measure tracks chemical reduction opportunities reported by businesses or other facilities that produce hazardous waste in quantities requiring them to submit pollution prevention plans. We call these businesses or facilities "pollution prevention (P2) planners."

This measure is new to the Progress Report.  Before 2005, a consistent method of tracking was not available.  Because of the time it takes to collect and analyze pollution prevention plans, there is a two-year lag in the data. For example, the 2009 result is from 2007 data. While the historic data shows mixed results, recent years indicate a potential for significant opportunities in reductions in chemical reduction use.

We expect reductions to continue as Ecology focuses its business assistance on ways to help businesses use fewer toxic or hazardous chemicals and make it easier for businesses to track and report their successes accurately.

Why should we be concerned about how much toxic or hazardous chemicals are used?

There are risks in using and storing-not just disposing of-hazardous chemicals both at home and on the job. Some chemicals pose an immediate health threat (such as industrial solvents or yard chemicals), while others pose a risk as products break down, or when they are disposed. Some chemicals build up in our bodies and the environment gradually-for example, persistent, bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs), and heavy metals.

What are the benefits of reducing the amount of toxic or hazardous chemicals used?

With increasing concern about toxic chemicals in consumer products, reducing the amount of toxic chemicals in consumer products means that products sold are safer and less likely to adversely affect human health or the environment.

Washington businesses produce-and must safely manage-over 100 million pounds of hazardous waste annually. Over the last two years, Ecology has provided over one thousand technical assistance visits to Washington businesses. Ecology P2 specialists showed the businesses' staff how to achieve energy savings, conserve water, prevent storm water contamination, and use fewer toxic chemicals, which often results in less environmental liability and saves money.

What are some Beyond Waste actions being taken to decrease toxic or hazardous chemicals used in Washington?

Ecology and other organizations are:

• Upgrading the electronic reporting system for P2 planners to better help businesses and Ecology track progress toward the Beyond Waste vision.
• Working with other states to regulate toxic metals in packaging to ensure they do not end up in consumer products packaging.
• Identifying a Quick Screen method to conduct safer chemical assessments for use by businesses and individuals.
• Participating in a multi-state effort to reform the federal chemical management law (the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act).
• Developing a roadmap for advancing green chemistry as an economic driver in Washington State.

Related Indicators

Click on the small chart below to go to the related indicator.

Toxic Release Risks from Manufacturers

Want more information on toxic or hazardous chemicals in Washington?

• Pollution Prevention Success Stories
• Ecology Services add Value to Businesses
• Toxic Metals Prevention Project
• Chemicals in Washington 2009 Summary Report

For more information, contact Gretchen Newman, 360-407-6097.

Back to main page.