This book, designed to assist industrial engineers and managers in making changes in purchasing, manufacturing, and waste handling practices to reduce the costs and liabilities of waste disposal, begins by defining waste minimization in the first two chapters. A description of the economic and regulatory incentives a company has for setting up a waste minimization program follows, and unsuccessful projects are related. Based on these experiences, a method is outlined for companies to use to establish a waste minimization program and implement individual projects.

The Pollution Prevention Handbook provides the necessary tools to set up a successful pollution program; implement specific projects to meet environmental regulation, and improve efficiency and product quality. Methods used to reduce waste generation are illustrated, and new treatment methods to reduce the volume or toxicity of waste are described. Practical examples illustrate key concepts, and numerous case studies provide successful programs found in the real world. The text is divided into three major sections: