HWTR home > Pollution Prevention & Planning > Pollution Prevention Planning

Pollution Prevention Planning

Certain businesses that use hazardous products or generate hazardous waste are required to prepare plans for voluntarily reducing their hazardous substance use and hazardous waste generation. Businesses that generate more than 2,640 pounds of hazardous waste or are required to report as part of the national Toxic Release Inventory must submit plans. By September 1st of each year these businesses must also submit annual updates of these plans. Basic Steps:

1. Work with the Ecology staff member assigned to your facility to analyze your company’s processes. Find opportunities to reduce hazardous substance use and waste generation and gather the information required for completing the Pollution Prevention Plan.
2. Download the electronic reporting form and instructions.
3. Follow the instructions to properly configure Microsoft Word and enter data into the form.
4. Submit your completed plan by e-mail.

Assistance Preparing Your Pollution Prevention Plan  Ecology staff offer a variety of technical assistance services, including helping businesses prepare Pollution Prevention Plans and meeting their planning goals. Each facility is assigned at least one staff person to help guide them through the planning process and identify new opportunities for cost-saving pollution prevention measures.

Download Electronic Reporting Form and Instructions to submit your plan.

Environmental Management System–An Alternative Reporting Process Many businesses are adopting Environmental Management Systems. The Department of Ecology will let businesses use documentation of these systems in lieu of submitting pollution prevention planning forms.

Pollution Prevention Planning Fees You can reduce your fees by reducing your waste and use of hazardous substances.

WAC 173-307 (Pollution Prevention Plans) Contains the legal requirements for pollution prevention planning.

Related Information

Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (Solutions)

Cost Analysis For Pollution Prevention is an Ecology Publication that can be downloaded to determine the economic benefits of pollution prevention opportunities.

An Organizational Guide to Pollution Prevention A comprehensive planning manual published by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Green Zia Environmental Excellence Program
Six tutorials developed to demonstrate the key principles of pollution prevention. Topics include examining the business process, identifying material loss, and implementing an action plan to prevent material loss and reduce costs.