Related Milestones

Washington State Department of Ecology

BEYOND WASTE HOME

Five-year Milestones: What we will achieve

The following are milestones for the first five years of the Industries Initiative:

Most of the companies participating in the Cleaner Production Challenge have an overall 10-25 percent reduction in wastes, including a 50-90 percent reduction of water consumption and wastewaters and 30-60 percent reduction of hazardous sludge. (It is Ecology’s intent that specific numerical goals be set for any future sector work.)
A chemical action plan for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) has been agreed to and is being implemented to reduce threats posed by these toxic flame-retardants.
The Washington State Mercury Chemical Action Plan has been fully implemented for hospitals, auto switches and lamps, resulting in significantly less mercury in the environment.
Government is leading by example, with significantly less waste generation and less use of toxic substances at the local, state and federal levels. The mandated federal agencies are actively implementing their Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and the required state agencies are actively implementing their sustainability plans. The state contract for hazardous waste management and disposal reflects a preference for waste recycling/reclamation when not in conflict with minimizing long-term liability.
Another sector project has been chosen and work has been started on it.
If in the next two years another PBT chemical is chosen for an action plan by Ecology in compliance with the proposed PBT rule, that plan has been developed, and at least partially implemented.
The Hazardous Waste & Toxic Reduction Program Web site includes much more information about best management practices, including alternatives, for key wastes and substances.
Most pollution prevention plans comprehensively address hazardous substance use.
Most of the major new businesses locating in Washington State have been designed to minimize wastes and toxics.
Most hazardous waste handlers in Washington have taken noticeable steps toward becoming brokers of materials to encourage more reuse and recycling by those who generate hazardous waste.
With the support of stakeholders, additional incentives have been identified to implement Beyond Waste which may include changes to hazardous waste fees and taxes.
An adequately-funded low-interest financing program for the upfront capital costs for preventing pollution and for technologies to reduce wastes and toxics is in place, and some businesses have obtained loans.
EPA and Ecology have been working together to implement Beyond Waste.

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