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Toxic Metals Prevention Project

The Project

The Toxic Metals Prevention Project is a joint effort between the Department of Ecology and Washington’s larger businesses that participate in Pollution Prevention (P2) Planning. The project’s goal is to identify safer alternatives to toxic metals. Though several metals are toxic, this effort will first focus on mercury, lead, and cadmium. Participation in the Toxic Metals Prevention Project is voluntary. Ecology is not banning the use of these metals. However, reducing the use of toxic metals makes good sense.

Reducing the use of toxic metals can help businesses decrease their liability, and save money on waste disposal. Toxic metals can pose a risk to workers when produced, shipped, stored, packaged, and eventually disposed. Reducing the use of toxic chemicals is the smartest, cheapest, and healthiest approach to lowering risk to living things and the environment.

Technical Assistance

As the Toxic Metals Prevention Project progresses, more technical assistance information will become available.  See the links below for reduction opportunities. If you are a business that participates in pollution prevention planning and would like technical assistance or help identifying opportunities to reduce your use of toxic metals please contact: Tom Boucher at (360) 407-6462.

Toxic Metals Information

The following are links to general information about each of these toxic metals. Check back here for more information as technical assistance materials are developed.

Mercury Reduction in Washington describes the products, wastes, and effects of this toxic metal, the subject of a state Chemical Action Plan since 2003.

Lead in Dangerous Waste offers general information about handling and toxicity of this metal, the subject of Ecology's second Chemical Action Plan.

Cadmium as Dangerous Waste offers information about where cadmium is found, its effects, and offers links to Pollution Prevention ideas.

Pollution Prevention by Business Type

Pollution Prevention for Aerospace Facilities

Pollution Prevention for Painters

Pollution Prevention for Paint Manufacturing

Pollution Pollution for Electroplating and Metal Finishing

Pollution Prevention for Auto Body/ Collision Repair

Related information

What is a Chemical Action Plan (CAP) Two of the metals in this project have been the subject of state Chemical Action Plans.

Paint and Coatings as Waste describes the handling of these materials that often contain heavy metals.

Manage Spent Batteries describes waste management options for this recyclable material.

Electronics as Dangerous Waste discusses handling for those who manage spent electronic equipment.