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Introduction

The goal of the Industries Initiative is to maintain the economic vitality of Washington State industries as we reduce wastes and toxic releases, and to increase the use of recyclable materials. This can only be accomplished through cooperation and partnerships between Ecology and industry.

To date, business and government have made great strides together in reducing waste generation and improving waste management. However, there are still many opportunities to foster business competitiveness and protect human health and the environment.

Redesigned processes and products will result in reduced costs for industry, less need for government regulation, improved conditions for workers, and a better environment. The adoption of more efficient production methods for goods and services will position Washington businesses to be leaders. This will increase the ability of Washington’s businesses to sell to other national and international firms that have already adopted such practices and are requiring their suppliers to do the same. Ultimately, this will enhance economic vitality in the state.

For the purposes of this initiative, the term “industries” includes the sectors of Washington’s economy (public agencies as well as private companies) that produce goods and services for businesses and citizens. Industrial activity generates a significant portion of the solid waste and most of the hazardous waste generated in Washington and managing these wastes costs Washington industries millions of dollars each year. If this initiative is successful, Washington’s industries will greatly reduce these costs, making them more competitive. Ultimately, the 1.1 million tons of solid waste disposed, 0.2 million tons of hazardous waste generated and almost 16,000 tons of toxic chemicals released by industry each year will no longer be in our environment.

This initiative was selected as one of the keys to Beyond Waste for three main reasons:

1. Significantly reducing wastes and hazardous substances from Washington industries should, over time, increase competitiveness with out-of-state businesses and strengthen the state economy.
2. Most toxic wastes are generated by industry in the course of providing consumer products and services. These wastes are costly to manage and pose high risks to human health and the environment.
3. Many Washington industries already have working relationships with Ecology staff, especially through the pollution prevention (P2) planning program. These well-established relationships will be springboards for working together to reduce waste and increase competitiveness for businesses.

This initiative focuses not only on reducing wastes in industry, but also on reducing/eliminating the use of hazardous substances, such as toxic chemicals in Washington’s industrial processes. Hazardous wastes are difficult to recycle. In addition, hazardous substances used in manufacturing often result in hazardous substances in the products themselves. These products carry with them an environmental and sometimes public health risk before, during and after their use.

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