In cooperation with EPA Region 8 states (CO, MT ND, SD, UT and WY), Peaks to Prairies encourages adoption of pollution prevention (P2) practices by businesses, and works with technical assistance providers to promote P2 and environmental management. Peaks is operated by Montana State University Extension, and offers access to current P2 information and contacts, encourages collaboration and leveraging of resources between states and programs, and distributes quality P2 information through websites, listservs, and presentations. Peaks to Prairies is part of the P2RX™ national network of regional centers dedicated to improving the dissemination of pollution prevention information in the service provider community.

What is P2?

Pollution prevention (P2) is reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream.

Pollution Prevention IS:

• good housekeeping
• inventory control
• in-process recycling
• product substitution
• process changes
• waste segregation

Pollution Prevention IS NOT:

• disposal
• off-site recycling
• pollution treatment
• end-of-pipe control

Pollution prevention became a national policy with the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. The Act established the waste management hierarchy (right) whereby wastes should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever feasible and safe disposal is the option of last resort.