NJDEP-Division of Science, Research and Technology

Minimal Pollution and Waste
GOAL: Minimize the generation and accumulation of pollution and waste; maximize the use of efficient, clean and sustainable energy sources; and increase consumer choices for ecologically friendly products.
The name "New Jersey" once connoted pollution in people's minds. We've made progress. New Jersey once had among the most polluted beaches in the country; we now have some of the cleanest. Our most innovative companies have proven that pollution prevention is often inexpensive and can improve the efficiency of our economy. New Jersey still has more federally designated "Superfund" waste sites that any other state. Pollution has driven investment away from our inner cities and has contributed to illness and rising health care costs throughout the state.
What we know New Jersey's greenhouse gas releases recently increasing Drinking water quality shows little change Total solid waste production recently leveling off Air pollution decreasing	What we don't know • The actual costs in health care, clean-up, and lost resources that we pay due to pollution. • Although we know how many pounds of hazardous chemicals are emitted every year, we do not know the actual health risks that they cause or whether that health risk is increasing or decreasing. • How much of the global warming problem is due to our activities and how much we need to change. • How much business and government could save in operating costs by reducing pollution and waste.