What is the first step in the pollution prevention hierarchy?

The first step in the pollution prevention hierarchy is reducing pollution at the source. This approach emphasizes the importance of minimizing the generation of pollutants before they enter the environment. By focusing on source reduction, organizations can often achieve significant environmental benefits while simultaneously reducing costs associated with treatment and disposal of waste.

This principle operates under the idea that it is far more efficient and effective to prevent pollution in the first place than to manage it after it has been created. Practices associated with source reduction include modifications in production processes, substitution of less hazardous materials, and improving operational practices to reduce waste generation.

In contrast, the other options like recycling, treatment, and disposal fall into a category of managing waste after it has already been created, rather than preventing it from being generated. These approaches can be valuable, but they do not address the root cause of pollution and often involve more resources, time, and cost.