The pollution prevention program began when SHWEC was formed in 1990 focusing on the elimination or reduction of pollution at the point of generation. Many current waste reduction technologies, safer materials, best management practices and other changes resulted as pollution prevention education and assistance took place throughout the 1990's and continues today.
Since it's inception in 1991, the UW-Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center has been promoting municipal solid waste source reduction as an effective solid waste management strategy. Source reduction, which is defined by the US EPA as "the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials (such as products and packaging) to reduce the amount or toxicity of trash generated." Source reduction helps reduce waste disposal and handling costs because it avoids the costs of recycling, municipal composting, landfilling, and combustion. It also conserves resources and reduces pollution. SHWEC's source reduction program is focused upon encouraging consumer to change wasteful behaviors and developing innovative municipal programs to prevent waste.
Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
DATCP is developing a pollution prevention program to address threats to the environment such as pesticide, fertilizer, herbicide and other chemicals commonly used in agriculture. The P2 program compliments the traditional agriculture and consumer protection programs that have been provided by DATCP for many years.
National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
The NPPR represents the entire pollution prevention technical assistance network throughout the United States. NPPR represents state and regional organizations in Washington DC and maintains sponsors the annual Pollution Prevention Conference which is held in different locations around the US.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Environmental Assistance Bureau
The Cooperative Environmental Assistance is located at this site and is a portal to the entire WI-DNR web site. CEA is a partner with SHWEC on a variety of pollution prevention programs. The CEA web site contains many pollution prevention publications, regulatory guidance links, cooperative agreements and projects and direct links to CEA Business Sector Specialists.
The Wisconsin Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program
SBCAAP provides extensive assistance related to air permits, air regulations and other environmental assistance. is another long time state partner in providing pollution prevention programs and has developed many easy to understand publications that clarify air regulatory requirements.
US-EPA Region 5 Pollution Prevention
The EPA's Region 5 Pollution Prevention web site home contains many links to Regional pollution prevention programs, information, grants and technology transfer ideas.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Waste & Materials Management
The Waste and Materials Management Program encourages management of waste as a resource to help ensure a clean and healthy Wisconsin for future generations. Our goal is to increase waste material reuse and recycling in Wisconsin by 30 percent. Wisconsin's communities and businesses benefit from a more efficient economy and a cleaner environment when waste becomes a resource.
