The 1990's hold complex challenges for the business community in Santa Clara County. Clearly, protection and enhancement of the environment remains a top priority for most communities, and businesses are required to comply with strict environmental regulations. The economic viability of many small firms is impacted as costs and liabilities associated with hazardous materials and waste management continually increase.

To remain competitive in the 1990's and beyond requires a fundamental shift in approach, from post-generation treatment and disposal to "pollution prevention" strategies which maximize production efficiency and minimize waste generation.

Many companies throughout the United States have already taken the initiative to adopt pollution prevention as an integral part of their business strategy. They have found that the best way to control expenses and liabilities associated with hazardous waste management is to reduce or eliminate reliance on the processes and raw materials that create them in the first place.

Your business can benefit too . . . Effectively integrating pollution prevention strategies into daily operations makes good business sense - reducing waste management costs, liabilities, and regulatory requirements. It also increases community confidence that local business is making every effort to handle hazardous wastes responsibly.

This guide was developed in response to the challenges faced by businesses in Santa Clara County. It is intended to help you improve competitiveness and profitability while at the same time keeping both workplace and the community clean.