Industrial Waste Pollution Prevention (P2)
Pollution prevention (P2) means reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, using non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques and reusing materials rather than sending them into the waste stream.
Austin Water encourages businesses to examine even basic elements of their industrial processes and recognize the true costs of waste. The P2 approach explores pollution reduction and waste minimization opportunities that can lead to substantial cost savings — including process modifications, material substitution and reuse, and optimized operations and maintenance. We also recognize local businesses with strong compliance records or notable P2 achievements through the Pretreatment Excellence Award Program.
By partnering with businesses to achieve meaningful pollution elimination, we aim for pollutant reductions that go beyond what regulatory compliance alone requires. We share expertise and connect businesses with P2 resources including programs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and P2Plan.org from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Pollution Prevention Goals
Our primary pollution prevention goals are:
- Eliminating sanitary sewer overflows related to excessive greasy waste discharges
- Going beyond regulatory requirements to protect the value of the biosolids and reclaimed water we produce
- Outperforming the already stringent water quality standards for discharges into the Colorado River
Resources
Local:
- Austin Energy Commercial Rebate Program
- Austin Energy Green Power
- Austin Development Services
- Austin Water Utility Permitting Office
- Dillo Dirt Program
- Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center
- Water Conservation
- Reclaimed Water System
State:
- Southwest Network for Zero Waste
- TCEQ Permitted Kitchen Grease Waste Disposal Sites (PDF)
- TCEQ Pollution Prevention Resources
- TCEQ P2 Resource Links