Tracking Our Progress
Hazardous waste generation has significantly declined over the last 25 years. Our
Waste Minimization Trends Report describes this decline in generation, and subse-
quent management of hazardous waste priority chemicals. The Report uses data col-
lected through the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) from 1991-2000. TRI data identifies
the chemical volumes most likely associated with hazardous waste generation.
TRI data showed a 42 percent reduction in disposal of 20 of the 30 priority chemicals
—from an estimated 152 million pounds in 1991 to an estimated 89 million pounds in
2000—a decline of about 63 million pounds. Some industries showing more dramatic
reductions were inorganic chemical manufacturing, battery manufacturing, and chlor-
alkali manufacturing. We are enlisting industries that produce the highest volumes of
the 30 priority chemicals, which include metal smelters and refiners, steel mills and
blast furnaces, glass and glassware manufacturers, and petroleum refiners, among
others.
We believe the National Waste Minimization Partnership Program will not only achieve
great reductions in the amount of hazardous waste we generate, but also place more
emphasis on conserving our natural resources.
For More Information
More information on the National Waste Minimization Partnership Program and the
Waste Minimization Trends Report is available at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/
conserve. We also would like your suggestions on how we can meet the national
reduction goal. Email us at rcc-challenge@epa.gov or write to:
U.S. EPA
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (5305W)
Washington, DC 20460
Attn: RCC
You can also obtain information by calling the RCRA Call Center at 703 412-9810 or
TDD 703 412-3323 (hearing impaired) if you live within the Washington Metropolitan
area. Call 800 424-9346 or TDD 800 553-7672 if you are a long-distance caller.
Solid Waste and Emergefcy Response (5305W)
EPA530-F-03-041
just 2003
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United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
The Resource Conservation Challenge
The National Waste
Minimization Partnership
Program and Priority Chemicals
WHAT CAN YOU
SAVE TODAY?
S M T W T F S
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
CHALLENGE
The National Waste Minimization Partnership Program is a new,
voluntary program. It fosters partnerships between the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and waste generators that focus on reducing 30
priority chemicals in waste.
Challenge to Industry
We are challenging waste generators, particularly industry, to reduce the gener-
ation of 30 priority chemicals commonly found in waste by 50 percent by 2005.
Reducing the release of priority chemicals in all life-cycle stages is a prime goal
of the Agency's Resource Conservation Challenge. These are persistent, bioac-
cumulative, and toxic chemicals that contaminate our land, air, water, plants,
and animals. By achieving this goal, we will not only eliminate almost 76 million
pounds of priority chemicals, but we also will better protect human health and
our ecosystems.
To accomplish our goal of reducing priority chemicals, we are forming partner-
ships with companies, federal agencies, industry associations, states, and
tribes. To eliminate priority chemicals in waste, we will encourage waste mini-
mization techniques, such as substituting chemicals, changing manufacturing
processes, reusing products, and recycling activities. Besides enhancing our
environment, these techniques will reduce risks, improve efficiency, and cut
costs in manufacturing operations and waste management.
Current partners have pledged to reduce specific amounts of the 30 priority
chemicals and other chemicals found in waste. Some have already made dra-
matic reductions in priority chemicals, especially lead. We plan to recruit at
least 100 partners over the next three years, from both Fortune 500 compa-
nies and small businesses. National Waste Minimization Partners receive public
recognition from EPA for their hazardous waste reductions and environmental
achievements.
Recycled/Recyclable—Printing with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% {Minimum 50% postconsumer} Recycled Paper.
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Patch PrqfioP
EPAX40-B-02-001ES
To encourage participation in the 'Watershed Patch Project, the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a series of certificates and
a watershed patch that can be presented to students who complete the activities in
this booklet.
The certificates can be downloaded from EPA's Web site. Simply go to http://
www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/certificates/ and fill out the form. Although you can use
plain white paper, the certificates look best when printed on parchment paper.
The designs are from winning student artwork from the River of Words Interna-
tional Art and Poetry contest (http://www,riverofwords,org).
The watershed patch is intended for students who complete all of the activity levels
(i.e., River Rookie, Conservation Captain, Aquifer Ace, and Watershed Wizard).
The Patch can be ordered by calling the National Service Center for Environmental
Publications at 1 -800-490-9198. Ask for publication number EPA840-E-03-001.
Please keep in mind that any activities on or near the water can be hazardous and need to be carefully supervised
by adults.
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