EPA announced winners of the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards. EPA Regions 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 are recognizing 17 businesses that have demonstrated leadership in innovative pollution prevention practices which reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.

The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling it. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American businesses while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in communities and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.

This year's winners represent a broad range of companies, from large corporations to small businesses. These companies stand out for their work preventing pollution by having reduced their use of water or energy, substituted high-risk chemicals with safer alternatives and cut their creation of hazardous waste.