Source Reduction Activities
Source Reduction Activities by Chemical
For the chemicals with the highest source reduction reporting rates over the last 5 years, this figure shows the number and types of activities implemented.
Note: 1) Limited to chemicals with at least 100 reports of source reduction activities from 2015-2019. 2) In this figure, metals are combined with their metal compounds, although metals and compounds of the same metal are listed separately on the TRI list (e.g. antimony is listed separately from antimony compounds). 3) Facilities report their source reduction activities by selecting codes that describe their activities from among eight categories, which are listed in the graph and are defined in the TRI Reporting Forms and Instructions.
From 2015 to 2019:
- TRI facilities reported 23,871 source reduction activities for more than 250 chemicals and chemical categories.
- Chemicals with the highest source reduction reporting rates were styrene, antimony and antimony compounds, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dichloromethane (DCM, also known as methylene chloride), and trichloroethylene (TCE).
- The type of source reduction activities implemented for these chemicals varied depending on their use in industrial operations and the chemical’s characteristics. For example:
- Raw material modifications include the use of alternative materials in the manufacturing process, such as replacing styrene, a chemical used to make plastics such as polystyrene, and antimony compounds, which are used in electronics, batteries, and as a component of fire retardants.
- Cleaning and degreasing activities, including changing to water-based cleaners, are implemented to reduce wastes of industrial solvents, such as trichloroethylene (TCE).
- Process modifications, including optimizing reaction conditions and modifying equipment, layout, or piping, can help reduce the amount of solvents such as dichloromethane (DCM) needed for a process.
Facilities may also report additional details about their source reduction activities in an optional text field of the TRI reporting form.
Examples of optional source reduction information for 2019:
- Styrene: With supplier assistance, a fiberglass manufacturing facility began using gel coats with lower styrene content which reduced the facility’s overall usage of styrene. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Antimony and antimony compounds: A ceramic tile manufacturer added dry cutting lines so that antimony compounds which would otherwise be handled as waste could be recirculated within the system, reducing material usage. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone: A paint and coating manufacturing facility implemented better monitoring of shelf life and improved its “first-in, first-out” inventory method, which reduced the quantity of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone waste generated. The facility also began manufacturing some products on demand rather than stocking inventory. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Dichloromethane: A laboratory instrument manufacturing facility revised its rinse procedures to reduce waste and replaced dichloromethane with hexane, a less toxic chemical, in some processes. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Trichloroethylene: A metal heat treating facility installed a newer degreaser with a lower temperature surface vapor control and a smaller surface which reduced trichloroethylene waste. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
Source Reduction Activities by Industry
For the industries with the highest source reduction reporting rates over the last 5 years, this figure shows the number and types of activities these sectors implemented.
Note: 1) Limited to industries with at least 100 source reduction activities reported from 2015-2019. 2) Facilities report their source reduction activities by selecting codes that describe their activities. These codes fall into one of eight categories listed in the graph legend and are defined in the TRI Reporting Forms and Instructions.
From 2015 to 2019:
- The five industry sectors with the highest source reduction reporting rates were computers and electronic products, miscellaneous manufacturing (e.g., medical equipment), furniture manufacturing, textiles, and textile products.
- For most sectors, “Good operating practices” was the most frequently reported type of source reduction activity. Other commonly reported source reduction activities varied by sector. For example, computers and electronic products manufacturers frequently reported modifications to their raw materials and products, often associated with the elimination of lead-based solder.
Facilities may also report additional details to TRI about their source reduction activities, as shown in the following examples.
Examples of optional source reduction information for 2019:
- Computers and Electronic Products: A printed circuit board manufacturer switched from a spray application, which generated an aerosol, to a flooded application of hydrochloric acid which flows solution on the product and reduces emissions. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Miscellaneous Manufacturing: A casket manufacturing facility reduced its usage of certain glycol ethers by reducing the number of times clear coat is applied during the rerun process. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Furniture Manufacturing: A wood cabinet manufacturer installed a point-of-use injection system which uses less 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene in their process. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Printing: A printing facility focused on running similar jobs on the press to minimize downtime and reduce toluene waste. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
- Textiles: A fabric coating mill reduced antimony usage by re-evaluating product specifications and removing antimony from products that were initially over-engineered. [Click to view facility details in the TRI P2 Search Tool]
This page was published in January 2021 and uses the 2019 TRI National Analysis dataset made public in TRI Explorer in October 2020.