| The practice and regulation of hazardous waste management have traditionally focused on treatment and long-term storage. Today, these approaches are too costly and industry needs to shift to the prevention of hazardous waste at the source. Despite the many benefits associated with this approach to both government and industry, industry appears reluctant to adopt new measures.;This thesis surveyed businesses in Santa Clara County, California, to determine the previously undocumented status of countywide hazardous waste minimization practices. Those same businesses were surveyed and a review of the safety profession literature was also conducted to identify, analyze, and document barriers and specific source control methods available for hazardous waste minimization efforts.;As access to these methods increases, it will facilitate industry's transition from current treatment to more economical minimization methods. Such a transition will ultimately benefit the environment by reducing the production, storage, treatment of hazardous waste and its associated release of pollutants. |
