Beyond Waste home > Navigate to a plan section > Recommendation MRW1 — Eliminate or minimize the most toxic chemicals

Recommendation MRW 1 — Eliminate or minimize groups of the most toxic chemicals as part of the agency’s Reducing Toxic Threats work. (Same as IND 8.)

Prioritize and address those chemicals that pose significant threats to vulnerable populations and the environment or for which safer alternatives are identified. To assist with these efforts, manufacturers disclose the composition of their products. Build on momentum for a more comprehensive approach to reducing toxic chemicals, instead of focusing on one chemical or a small handful of chemicals at a time. Work with manufacturers, businesses, state and local governments, the public, and stormwater managers on this more comprehensive approach.

• Support research on safer alternatives. Encourage public/private research and development capacity in Washington.



• Encourage the development of green chemistry curricula in higher education institutions.



• As part of this effort, regulatory and legislative options will be considered, including but not limited to:
  • Reforming national law such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
  • Regional initiatives such as the Interstate Clearinghouse of Chemicals.
  • A Washington State “chemical policy” or “green chemistry” law.
  • Strengthening pollution prevention laws and regulations.
  • A comprehensive strategy to ensure people carefully manage and dispose of household products that contain toxins.

Milestone MRW A: Multiple states have agreed on a chemical assessment protocol to identify safer alternatives to priority chemicals. Safer alternatives are identified for 10 priority chemicals. (Same as IND H)

Links and Resources

• Reducing Toxic Threats
• Children's Safe Products Act
• Green Chemistry
• Pollution Prevention

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