The Legislature finds that:
Inefficient and improper methods of managing waste create hazards to public health, cause pollution of the air and water resources and constitute a waste of natural resources;
Problems in preventing pollution are statewide in scope and necessitate state action in improving methods and processes to promote more efficient methods of managing and reducing the waste generated in the state;
The economic and population growth of our state and improvements in the standard of living enjoyed by our population have required increased industrial production which, coupled with expanding commercial and agricultural operations, have resulted in a rise in the amounts of waste generated;
State government should take a proactive role to assist business, industry, academic institutions, governmental entities and the citizens of the state in the development of a coordinated pollution prevention program that addresses the need for both environmental protection and economic growth;
There are significant opportunities for business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities to eliminate or reduce the generation of waste at the source through cost-effective pollution prevention technologies and procedures. Use of these technologies and procedures offers business, industry, academic institutions and governmental entities savings in materials, waste management and liability costs;
The opportunities for pollution prevention are often not realized because existing regulations focus more upon treatment and disposal than pollution prevention and do not emphasize multimedia management of waste; and
Pollution prevention is the ultimate goal in waste management. The use of pollution prevention policies and technologies as an integral part of the waste management system, thereby reducing the need for the creation of additional management capacity, is strongly endorsed.