Pollution Prevention Introduction

Collision Repair Curriculum

Paid for, in part, by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Pollution Prevention (P2)• True P2 is reduction at the source of

generation– Solid and hazardous wastes– Air emissions– Wastewater contaminants

• 1990 P2 Act– Established new hierarchy for waste management

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P2 Act of 1990

Shifted the focus from “end-of-pipe” pollution treatment and cleanup, to policies, technologies, and processes which prevent and minimize the generation of pollution

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P2 Act of 1990• P2 Act says:– Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the

source whenever feasible– If not preventable then recycled in an

environmentally safe manner– If not recyclable, should be treated to be less

hazardous– Disposal into the environment is a last resort

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Pollution Prevention Hierarchy

Source Reduction

Recycling

Energy Recovery

Treatment

Disposal

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Why do P2?• Reduce regulatory responsibility• Reduce wastes and emissions, thus liabilities• Reduce raw material use or losses• Reduce energy consumption• Reduce operating expenses• Reduce insurance rates• Safer work environment• Enhance good will and rapport with regulators

and your neighbors

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Pollution Prevention (P2)

• Can be accomplished through several methods:–Change in process (work practices)–Change in materials–Change in technology

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Change the process• Changing how someone works – Cheapest approach possibly– Hardest (that’s the way we’ve always done it!)

• Examples: Manage inventory Color matching Close paint and solvent containers Improve paint measurement and mix only what’s

needed

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Change the process• The painting process

Follow paint and spray gun manufacturers’ instructions

Operate spray equipment within regulated pressure limits

Follow operating and maintenance procedures for your spray booth and curing equipment

Consider using tintable primer systems to improve color matches and to get complete coverage with fewer coats

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Change the process• The painting process (cont.)

Schedule waterborne primer work for the end of the day

Remove the body part from the vehicle before painting

Continue to improve your spray application technique and transfer efficiency

• The paint booth Perform routine maintenance on filters

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Change the material• Use a different chemical/substance to

accomplish the same result• Use the least hazardous material• Example:– Consider using waterborne paints– If paints contain heavy metals, consider using

alternatives, if available

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Change the technology• Many new technologies promote P2 by

building waste reduction into new equipment by– Increasing efficiency/material utilization– Internal reuse of chemicals or materials– Mechanizing a process– Using a different “science” to achieve same results

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Change the technology• Examples:– Upgrade spray equipment• Does the gun operate effectively within the required

pressure range?• Can it achieve the required transfer efficiency?• Is the spray gun approved for use by air regulations?

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Change the technology• Examples (cont.):– LaserPaint• Iowa Waste Reduction Center developed• Attaches to any spray gun• Helps painter maintain correct angle and distance,

optimize overlap, and reduce overspray

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Good P2 projects• Easily defined goal• Maximum two year payback or less• User friendly and adaptable to existing

operations• Measureable results• Reduce impacts to environment and improve

health and safety of employees

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Resources

• www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/Auto-Body-and-Paint.cfm - great P2 tips from California Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC)

• Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP), 800-578-8898, sbeap@ksu.edu, www.sbeap.org

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