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Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
National Analysis
EPA260-R-09-005
December 2009
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What is the Toxics Release Inventory?
Figure 1: Information Collected Under TRI
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) is a database
that contains detailed information on nearly
650 chemicals and chemical categories
that about 22,000 industrial and other
facilities manage through disposal
or other releases, recycling, en-
ergy recovery or treatment
(see Figure 1). The data are
collected from industries
including manufactur-
ing, metal and coal min-
ing, electric utilities,
commercial hazardous
waste treatment, and
other industrial sectors.
Section 313 of the
Emergency Planning
and Community Right
to Know Act (EPCRA)
of 1986 was enacted
to facilitate emergency
planning, to minimize the
effects of potential toxic
chemical accidents, and to pro-
vide the public with informa-
tion on releases of toxic chemicals
in their communities. The Pollution
Prevention Act (PPA) of 1990 mandates
collection of data on toxic chemicals that are
treated on-site, recycled, and combusted for energy
recovery. Together, these laws require facilities in certain industries,
which manufacture, process, or use toxic chemicals above specified amounts, to report annually on disposal or
other releases and other waste management activities related to these chemicals.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains this information in a national database called the
Toxics Release Inventory, which is available to the public via the Internet (www.epa.gov/tri).
What are the benefits of TRI data?
The TRI provides the public with unprecedented access to information about toxic chemical releases and
other waste management activities on a local, state, regional and national level.
TRI data help the public, government officials and industry:
• identify potential concerns and gain a better understanding of potential risks;
• identify priorities and opportunities to work with industry and government to reduce toxic chemical
disposal or other releases and potential risks associated with them; and
• establish reduction targets and measure progress toward reduction goals.
TRI data are widely used across EPA programs. For example, the National Partnership for Environmen-
tal Priorities, an element of the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC), uses TRI data to identify fa-
cilities that may present pollution prevention opportunities. EPA also uses TRI data in the Risk Screen-
ing Environmental Indicator (RSEI) tool, which compares toxic chemicals released to the environment
from industrial sources. Using RSEI, you can examine rankings and trends, and set priorities for fur-
ther action. You can search for other EPA programs and tools that utilize TRI data by visiting EPA's
Web site at www.epa.gov or from EPA's publication How are the Toxics Release Inventory Data Used? at:
www.epa.gov/ tri/guide_docs/pdf/2003/2003_datausepaper.pd£
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What are the limitations of the TRI data?
Users of TRI data should be aware that TRI data reflect dispos-
al or other releases and other waste management of chemicals,
not whether (or to what degree) the public has been exposed
to them. Both the toxicity of a chemical and exposure consider-
ations should be taken into account when using the data.
• TRI chemicals vary widely in toxicity, or their potential to
produce toxic effects. Some high-volume releases of less toxic
chemicals may appear to be more serious than lower-volume
releases of highly toxic chemicals, when just the opposite may
be true.
• The potential for exposure may be greater the longer the chemical
remains unchanged in the environment. Sunlight, heat, or microor-
ganisms may or may not decompose the chemical. Smaller releases of a
persistent, highly toxic chemical may create a more serious problem than
larger releases of a chemical that is rapidly converted to a less toxic form.
For more detailed information on this subject refer to The Toxics Release Inventory
(TRI) and Factors to Consider When Using TRI Data document at:
www.epa.gov/tri/triprogram/FactorsToConPDF.pdf.
What should I know about the different types of disposal or
other releases?
The TRI Program collects data on a number of different types of disposal or other releases, as well as on certain
waste management and recycling practices. Disposal or other releases of chemicals into the environment
occur through a range of practices that may ultimately affect the potential for human exposure to the toxic
chemicals. Facility releases may include discharges to air, water, and land. Facilities limit contamination and
human exposure by disposing of or otherwise releasing waste in certain ways. For example:
• Disposal of harmful materials to Class I Underground Injection wells located in isolated formations be-
neath the lowermost underground source of drinking water limits potential for contamination; and
• Disposal to landfills that are designed with liners, covers, leak-detection systems, and groundwater monitor-
ing systems also limits the potential for human exposure to the contents of the landfill.
Most disposal or other release practices are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements designed to limit
environmental harm. Please refer to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and Factors to Consider When Using TRI
Data (www.epa.gov/tri/triprograrn/FactorsToConPDF.pdfj for more information on the differences
of these data elements.
What should I know about persistent bioaccumulative toxic
(PBT) chemicals?
Starting in 2000, EPA established more stringent reporting thresholds for persistent bioaccumulative toxic
(PBT) chemicals originally on, or added to, the TRI chemical list. PBT chemicals are of particular concern
not only because they are toxic but also because they remain in the environment for long periods of time, are
not readily destroyed, and build up or accumulate in body tissue. The TRI PBT chemicals include dioxin and
dioxin-like compounds, lead and lead compounds, mercury and mercury compounds, polycyclic aromatic
compounds (PACs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and certain pesticides, among other chemicals.
For more information about PBTs and the Agency's multimedia strategy for priority PBT chemicals, visit
EPA's Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemical Program Web site at
www.epa.gov/pbt/index.htrn.
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What do TRI data show for 2008?
For 2008,21,695 facilities, including federal facilities, reported to the TRI
Program. They reported 3.9 billion pounds of on-site and off-site disposal
or other releases of the almost 650 toxic chemicals, as shown in Table 1. Over
87% of the total was disposed of or otherwise released on-site; 13% was sent
off-site for disposal. Metal mining facilities reported 30% and electric utilities
reported 23% of the total in 2008, as shown in Figure 2.
Persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals accounted for 498 million pounds or
13% of reported on- and off-site disposal or other releases in 2008. Of that total, lead and lead
compounds accounted for 98% or 486 million pounds of PBT chemicals. Total disposal or other
releases for mercury and mercury compounds were 6.2 million pounds and, for dioxin and dioxin-
like compounds, they were 33,702 grams (74 pounds).
There were 179 known or suspected carcinogens on the TRI list in 2008.They accounted for 776
million pounds or 20% of reported on- and off-site disposal or other releases in 2008. Of that total
for carcinogens, lead and lead compounds accounted for 63% and arsenic and arsenic compounds
for 10%. Over three-quarters (598 million pounds or 77%) were disposed of or otherwise released
to land on-site. Styrene air emissions were 39% of the total 76 million pounds of air emissions of
carcinogens.
All federal facilities are required to report to the TRI Program. For 2008, a total of 389 federal
facilities submitted 1,240 forms and reported 101 million pounds of total on- and off-site disposal
or other releases.
How did the TRI data change over time?
From 2007 to 2008, total disposal or other releases on- and off-site decreased by 257 million pounds
or 6%. On-site disposal or other releases decreased by 5% and off-site disposal or other releases de-
creased by 13%.
From 2007 to 2008, total production-related waste managed, which reflects waste management
practices rather than ultimate disposition of a chemical, decreased by 7%. From 2007 to 2008, the
quantity of production-related waste recycled decreased by 5% (415 million pounds), the quantity
used for energy recovery decreased by 7% (205 million pounds), the quantity treated decreased by
10% (831 million pounds) and the quantity disposed of or otherwise released decreased 8% (352
million pounds).
Disposal or other releases of PBT chemicals decreased by 2% from 2007 to 2008. Total disposal
or other releases of mercury and its compounds decreased by 11% from 2007 to 2008, with air
emissions decreasing by 5%. Total disposal or other releases of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds
decreased by 77%.
Disposal or other releases of carcinogens decreased by 7% (60 million pounds) from
2007 to 2008, including a decrease of 24% (24 million pounds) in arsenic and
arsenic compounds. Air releases of carcinogens decreased by 18% (16 mil-
lion pounds), including a decrease of 24% (10 million pounds) in air releases
of styrene.
Federal facilities showed an overall increase in disposal or other releases of 6 mil-
lion pounds or 6% from 2007 to 2008. Total production-related waste managed
at federal facilities increased by 17 million pounds or 7%.
Overall, from 2001 to 2008, total production-related waste managed decreased by 17%,
as shown in Figure 4.
Manufacturing facilities have been required to report to the TRI Program since 1987.
From 1988 to 2008, manufacturing facilities decreased their on- and off-site disposal or
other releases by 65% based on chemicals that have been consistently reported since 1988.
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Toxics Release Inventory, 2008
Figure 2:2008 TRI Total Disposal or Other Releases
3.9 billion pounds
^ 21,695
TRI facilities
reported 3.9 billion
pounds of on- and
off-site disposal
or other releases
for 2008
All Others 10%
Food 4%
Hazardous Waste 4%
Paper 5%
Primary Metals 11%
Chemicals 12%
Metal Mining 30%
Electric Utilities 23%
IUU
Figure 2 data are from TRI Form R, Section 5 (all parts) and
6.1 (metals and metal compounds only) and 6.2 (disposal codes
only and metals and metal compounds reported under codes
M40 and M61) as of December 2009.
TABLE 1: TRI ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OR OTHER RELEASES, 2008
ON-SITE DISPOSAL OR OTHER RELEASES
Air
Water
Underground Injection
Land
TOTAL ON-SITE DISPOSAL OR OTHER RELEASES
POUNDS
1,140,860,350
246,806,831
186,846,496
1,797,901,526
3,372,415,203
OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OR OTHER RELEASES
Underground Injection
Land
POTWs and Wastewater Treatment
Other
TOTAL OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OR OTHER RELEASES
9,503,427
382,871,079
3,635,535
92,914,435
488,924,477
0.2
9.9
0.1
2.4
12.7
TOTAL ON- AND OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OR OTHER RELEASES
3,861,339,680
100.0
Data are from TRI Form, Sections 5 (all parts) and 6.1 (metals and metal compounds only) and 6.2 (Disposal codes only and metals and metal compounds reported
under codes M40 and M61). Does not include transfers to disposal or other releases sent to other TRI facilities that reported the amounts as on-site disposal or other
releases. Data as of December 2009.
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These 21.695 facilities reported 23 billion pounds of TRI chemicals in total production-related
waste managed during 2008. Source reduction, or producing less waste, is the preferred approach
to managing waste, followed by recycling. Waste that cannot be prevented or recycled can often
be used for energy recovery or treated.
Figure 3: Production-Related Waste Managed, 2008:23 billion pounds
Quantity Recycled
On- and Off-site
38%
Quantity Disposed
of or Otherwise Released
On- and Off-site
17%
Quantity Used for
Energy Recovery
On- and Off-site
12%
Quantity Treated
On- and Off-site
33%
Figure 3 data are from TRI Form R, Section 8, current year for year indicated. Data as of December 2009.
What do TRI data show over a longer period of time?
Figure k-. Production-Related Waste Managed, 2001-2008
30,000
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
] Recycled On- and Off-site
] Energy Recovery On- and Off-site
] Treated On- and Off-site —A
1 Disposed of or Otherwise Released On- and Off-site
-Number of Facilities
Figure 4 data are from TRI Form, Section 8, for year indicated. Data as of December 2009. This figure covers those years for which comparable data
on all currently listed TRI chemicals, including PBT chemicals, are available. Tables encompassing a wider range of years include only those chemicals
for which data are comparable (i.e., the chemical must have been consistently reported for the entire time covered) and can be generated using
TRI Explorer.
From 2001-2008. total production-related waste managed
decreased by 17% and the number of facilities reporting decreased by 15%.
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What other information is available?
EPA has also developed an electronic report (eReport) for the 2008 TRI National Analysis. This report offers
detailed information as part of the 2008 TRI National Analysis and is available on the TRI Web site. The
eReport includes:
• a summary of key findings which provides a detailed look at the 2008 data; and
• additional tables and charts which provide a look at the top chemicals, industries, and facilities for 2008.
To access this report and other information on the TRI Program, please visit our Web site at:
•www. epa. gov/tr i.
How can I access TRI data?
TRI Explorer: It's On-line! It's Easy! It's Your Right to Know!
TRI Explorer provides fast and easy access to the TRI data and can answer your questions about a chemical,
facility, geographic area, or industry sector. It also provides further details and breakdown on the type of
disposal or other releases reported. Find out what chemicals were released to the air by facilities in your state
in 2008, what facilities reported in your zip code, or what progress has been made in reducing TRI chemicals
since 1988. TRI Explorer provides customized reports on these and many other topics using the TRI data.
Users ofTRI data can also customize maps of states or counties within a state to their preferences. Each report
can be quickly and easily sorted by total disposal or other releases, by fugitive air emissions, by surface water
discharges, by disposal to hazardous waste landfills, etc. Electronic state fact sheets with 2008 data are also
available for each state. Visit the TRI Explorer home page to begin creating your own report on TRI data at:
www. epa. gov/tr iexplorer.
Customize reports.
research data
quickly and easily
from your own computer:
www.epa.gov/triexplorer
J.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Chemical Report
Detail columns in online reports are collapsed by default (Feature not in Trends Reports). Click the EE3 icon to view addition!
columns. Use your Browser back feature to collapse. Alternately you can select /deselect desired columns from this screen.
Reports:
^ Chemical [T]
> Facility
» Trends
f Geography
* Industry
Maps:
* Dynamic
YearofDataffl
2008 [v]
Geographic Location H
All of United States
Chemical Released ffl
All Chemicals
ndustryS
All Industries
Data Set ffi
2 Select 2008 PDR data set
1 7, 2009 and released to the p
Data updates will be released a
Generate Report
EPA Horn
pop-ups from this site GoToNewRgport
Report colums to include IT]
g] Total On-site Disposal or Other Releases
0! Details
D On-Site Disposal to Class I Wells, RCRA
[vj Subtitle C Landfills, and Other On-Site Landfills
D Other On-Site Disposal or Other Releases
H Total Off-site Disposal or Other Releases
frozen on September, L! Off-Site Disposal to Underground Injection
jblic December2009) Wells, RCRA Subtitle C Landfills, and Other Landfills
a later date D Other Off-site Disposal or Other Releases
H Total On- and Off-Site Disposal or Other Releases
D CAS Number
IPnvacv and Secuntv Notice IContact Us
Where can I find contact information?
There are three other options for finding more detailed information:
• You can find out more information about the TRI program by contacting the toll-free Emergency Planning
and Community Right-to-Know (EPCRA) Call Center at 1-800-424-9346, or
• You can seek assistance in accessing and using TRI data by contacting the TRI User Support Service
202-566-1415, or
• You can find your state or regional TRI coordinator by visiting EPA's TRI Web site at:
www.epa.gov/tri.
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