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Priority and Toxic Chemical Reductions
Protecting Health and Ecosystems by Reducing Risk from Toxic Chemicals
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Priority and toxic chemicals make up a fairly limited volume, yet potentially hazardous portion of the nation's waste stream. EPA is working to eliminate or reduce priority chemicals and other chemicals of national concern from commercial products, waste streams, and industrial releases through pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling, and reuse.
The 31 priority chemicals are Federal priorities because they are persistent, bioaccumulative, and highly toxic. The focus is on reducing priority and toxic chemicals to better protect human health and the environment.
By substituting or eliminating certain chemicals in manufacturing processes, companies produce less waste and thus lower their waste disposal costs. The Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) aims to substantially reduce the volume and toxicity of priority chemicals in waste by encouraging companies to:
- Substitute safer alternatives when they can;
- Minimize the amount of priority chemicals they use, if they can’t substitute for them;
- Maximize their recycling efforts;
- Practice cradle-to-cradle chemical management; and
- Design products to minimize exposure to, and release of, priority chemicals during manufacturing and use.
National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP)
The National Partnership of Environmental Priorities (NPEP) (formerly known as National Waste Minimization Partnership Program) uses voluntary partnerships to reduce the use and release of priority chemicals. Besides information, technical assistance, and public recognition, partners become part of the National Challenge Commitment, co-sponsored by the National Environmental Performance Track.
Joining NPEP can be the first step for companies to become a full Performance Track member under the Challenge Commitment. The Challenge Commitment seeks a 10 percent decrease in the use of one or more priority chemicals over three years at government and industrial facilities throughout the country. Join NPEP today.
- Press Release: EPA Calls On Industry to Reduce Chemical Use
Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3)
From elementary school maintenance closets to high school chemistry labs, schools use a variety of chemicals. When they are mismanaged, these chemicals can put students and school personnel at risk from spills, fires, and other accidental exposures. Chemical accidents disrupt school schedules and can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
The Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3) aims to ensure that all schools are free from hazards associated with mismanaged chemicals. SC3 gives K-12 schools information and tools to responsibly manage chemicals.