Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention (P2) refers to reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and/or re-using materials rather than putting them in the waste stream.

Improper management of hazardous materials and pesticides can lead to significant negative impacts to human health and the natural environment. Through general awareness, job-specific training, and environmentally preferable purchasing practices, IHS can reduce health risks associated with the use and storage of hazardous chemicals by:

• Complying with environmental and occupational safety regulations;
• Reducing hazardous materials when possible by replacing or substituting hazardous materials with environmentally friendly, less-toxic materials:
  • Reducing use of mercury containing products,
  • Replacing strong acids and bases with less corrosive products, and
  • Replacing flammable chemicals with non-flammables;
• Planning for fuel and chemical spills to minimize the environmental impact, reduce clean-up costs, and ensure worker safety.

IHS waste management objectives:

1. Recycle paper, batteries, plastic, aluminum cans, glass, cardboard, building materials, and other recyclable materials.
2. Purchase products that are reusable or that have less waste packaging.

Read IHS' Recycling Guidance document. [PDF - 1.7 MB]

Additional Resources:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WasteWise Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov : WasteWise is a free, voluntary EPA program through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes, benefiting their bottom line and the environment.

Hazardous Chemicals and Waste

• See the Sustainable Acquisitions page for information on purchasing environmental and worker friendly chemical products

Reducing Solid Waste

• Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov : Provides an overview of materials and waste management in the United.
• Pollution Prevention in Healthcare Facilities Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov : Provides specific information for healthcare facilities on pollution prevention as it relates to purchasing, receiving, and inventory control; material substitution (using less toxic alternatives); raw material use and handling; and waste segregation.
• EPA Mercury Reduction in Medical Facilities Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF]: Provides Environmental Best Practices for health care facilities in eliminating mercury in hospitals.

Recycling

• Earth 911 Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• CalRecycle Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• National Capital Region Recycling Program Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• National Recycling Coalition Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• 10 Best Practices for Building Green Teams Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov