Pollution prevention is as easy as good housekeeping, keeping
equipment well maintained or switching to a less hazardous product. The hardest
part is usually changing habits. Specific examples for reducing common wastes
are presented here with resources cited for more detailed information (links
go to external resources). A general overview of pollution prevention opportunities
is given at the end. In all waste reduction and pollution prevention efforts,
keep in mind the waste management hierarchy:
- first reduce -- look
for ways to avoid generating waste
- if some waste is generated,
reuse as much as possible on site
- if there is still some
waste left, recycle or dispose of it properly
Specific
Suggestions:
Get a realistic overview of wastes generated
by a particular teaching area so each can be addressed. A tool for evaluating
present practices and wastes is the Laboratory
Self-Audit. Create a formal or informal management system to deal with
wastes. (See: Environmental
Management Systems for more information.)
Parts cleaning solvents
can be conserved by pre-cleaning parts with
reused solvent. This reduces solvent purchases so it also saves money. Minimize
costs and regulatory liabilities even further by switching to aqueous cleaning
solutions in mechanical labs -- see
Aqueous
Parts Cleaning. There are a number of solvent alternatives available that
are not as harmful to the environment -- see
Guide to Cleaner
Technologies - Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvents for Cleaning and Degreasing
For crops, prevent soil erosion and water pollution by practicing
small-scale conservation tillage, where plots are tilled minimally or not
at all. Soil remains protected by plant residues providing food for microorganisms
and increasing organic matter. See Conservation
Tillage Facts for more information. Incorporating manures, organic material
and fertilizers into soils can improve structure, conserve water and reduce
erosion. See Land Application
of Livestock and Poultry Manures for more information.
Consider low-pressure and drip irrigation in farm plots
to reduce evaporative water losses and improve delivery to soil and root zone.
For information on designing and selecting the most practical irrigation system
see Factors to Consider in
Selecting a Farm Irrigation System.
For livestock, prevent soil erosion and water pollution by
limiting livestock access to streams. Create designated crossing and watering
areas or use alternative sources (stock tanks). Locate confinement facilities
and use buffers and filter strips to prevent runoff from entering nearby surface
water. See EPA's 2003 CAFO
rule guidance for more information.
Reduce paint-contaminated wastes by: laundering used shop towels and
rags, using reusable paint mixing cups and sticks, filtering and reusing solvents
and paint thinners, and using water-based, low VOC coatings whenever possible.
For more information, see Paints,
Solvents and Wood Preservatives.
Reduce pesticide use and expenses and maximize production in the greenhouse
and farm plot by using a balance of pest prevention and control techniques.
This approach is know as integrated pest management (IPM) -- see Integrated Pest Management for
more information. Store pesticides safely -- see Pesticide
Storage and Mixing Facilities for more information.
Reuse of materials on site is often overlooked but can significantly
reduce waste disposal. Also consider obtaining supplies or distributing unneeded
items through local materials exchange programs. To find materials exchanges,
go to Materials
Exchanges on the Web.
The following materials can often be recycled: scrap metal,
aluminum cans, glass, and engine-related fluids such as oil, antifreeze,
and coolants. Plant materials can be composted; manure can be used as
fertilizer. For more information on reuse and recycling see:
Reduce building material waste by buying only what
is needed and using it efficiently; "measure twice and cut once."
Sort scraps according to size and type so it's easy to find a smaller piece
when needed. More information can be found at: Efficient
Wood Use in Residential Construction.
Protect water quality in greenhouse operations through irrigation
and fertilizer management, pesticide reduction and proper use of cleaning
products and disinfectants. See Water
Quality Handbook for Nurseries for more information.
Avoid exposure to dust in cabinet-type sand-blasters. The dust generated
is classified by the EPA as an air pollutant and harmful to human health.
Use wet sanding methods and amorphous silicas rather than crystalline silicas
for blasting. For more information on alternatives and risks see: Preventing
Silicosis and Deaths in Construction Workers.
General Prevention Measures
Air Quality - Periodically test and maintain ventilation
systems for efficiency and provide safety equipment for facility
users.
Energy Use - Weatherize facilities appropriate for the climate.
Replace inefficient lighting. Maintain equipment regularly to insure
optimum performance. Turn off the power when equipment and lights are
not in use. Become an Energy Star School.
Inventory Control - Track inventory carefully to prevent over-purchasing
and exceeding expiration dates. All materials should be clearly labeled,
dated and stored in an area where weather and leaks can be easily controlled.
Purchase in bulk and look for less hazardous products. For more information
on making purchasing decisions that prevent pollution see the Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing Guide.
Noise Pollution - Periodic machinery inspections can identify
potential or existing problems. Install sound-reducing materials
on building walls and keeping outside doors closed. OSHA has established
guidelines for noise levels in all public facilities and ear protection
should be used whenever noise exceeds recommended levels.
Water Quality - Never dispose of hazardous waste in a
storm drain or septic system. All substances should be clearly
identifed as safe or unsafe for the municipal treatment system.
Contact the local wastewater treatment plant for information.
Wastewater may need to be tested or pretreated. Prevent runoff
from animal confinement areas.
Water Conservation - Use a broom and/or vacuum to clean
floors instead of water (also minimizes the amount of wastewater
generated). Fix leaking faucets immediately and install water-conserving
fixtures. When washing vehicles and equipment, turn off hose between
rinses.
Occupant Safety - Reduce exposure to hazardous material
by:
- Wearing impermeable gloves,
protective clothing, goggles or glasses with side shields to
reduce dermal exposure.
- Avoid breathing vapors,
mists, or aerosols by providing NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirators.
- Use OSHA/NIOSH approved
hearing protection.
- Use a maintenance program
to ensure optimal equipment operating efficiency.
- Provide training in hazardous
waste management practices for laboratory users. Prevent improper
mixing and handling.
- Have Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS) readily accessible for all substances used in the
lab and know how to use them. Material
Safety Data Sheet Fact Sheet
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