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Pollution Prevention
Pollution Prevention refers to efforts in reducing the impact of waste
on the environment. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, some
more desirable than others. Because of this, they are usually listed in a
hierarchy with source reduction as most desirable and disposal (placing on
or in the land) as least.
The Environmental Pollution Hierarchy is intended to be used when determining
how to handle waste that is created in a process. When reviewing generated
waste, start at the top and determine if the waste can be reduced or even
prevented through source reduction. For example, ordering chemicals in
smaller containers to reduce the amount of unused material left over at the
end of a project can reduce the amount of waste produced. If this is not
feasible, determine if reusing the waste is an option. Perhaps the material
can be used in another project. If this is not possible determine if the waste
can be treated in a way that would reduce its environmental impact. Finally,
when all else has been considered and determined impractical, have the waste
disposed.
Chemical Waste
The University, as a large quantity generator of hazardous chemical waste,
is required to have a pollution prevention plan. Texas A&M’s plan can be found
here. However, for the University to be effective at pollution
prevention, individuals must also give consideration to how to reduce
waste in their own work areas.
Posters
Labs:
Inventory
Time-sensitive Chemicals
Shops:
Old Chemicals
To begin considering pollution prevention with chemicals, all chemicals in an area should first be inventoried. Knowing what chemicals are in storage can help prevent ordering chemicals that are already in stock. Also, periodically reviewing chemicals in stock, offers the perfect opportunity to remove chemicals that are unneeded or outdated. Once chemicals have been determined to be no longer needed, use the Environmental Pollution Hierarchy to determine how best to deal with them. If a chemical is ultimately determined to be unusable and a waste, use the Hazardous Waste Program to have the waste removed.
Other Waste
Any other waste that is ultimately disposed of as trash should be given
the same consideration. The University has a couple of programs that
help keep waste from going to a landfill.
The Surplus Property Office accepts furniture, appliances, e-waste,
and other property of TAMU and makes it available to others on campus
and other state institutions. If the material is not claimed or is
not usable it is then either auctioned to the public or goes through
other programs, such as the scrap-metal program.
The campus also has a Recycling Center
available. The Center currently
recycles paper, aluminum, and ink cartridges. Along with routinely
picking-up recyclable material left in designated bins, the Center
will also conduct special projects and accept recyclables that are
brought to the center.
If you have questions about this program or other environmental issues,
please contact Environmental Management at 845-4029 or at
enviro-mgmt@tamu.edu.
Resources
| Location | URL |
|---|---|
| At Home: | Texas Cooperative Extension - Efficient Housing (http://fcs.tamu.edu/housing/efficient_housing/index.php) |
| Texas: | TCEQ – Pollution Prevention and Recycling (http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/pollution/) |
| US: | Environmental Protection Agency – Pollution Prevention (http://www.epa.gov/p2/) |
| Energy Star – US EPA (http://energystar.gov/) |