As shown in the figure, since 2005, releases of TCE reported to TRI have decreased by 66%. Much of the reduction is from decreased releases by the Fabricated Metals sector which uses TCE in degreasing. EPA’s TRI Pollution Prevention (P2) Spotlight provides additional information on how this sector is reducing their TCE releases. The number of facilities reporting TCE has also declined considerably over this time period.

 

TRI reporting facilities also provide information on the source reduction activities they implement to generate less waste. From 2011 through 2015, 28% of the facilities reporting TCE reported a source reduction activity; among the most common are:

• cleaning and degreasing modifications, such as changing to aqueous cleaners, and
• process modifications, such as upgrading valves or adding insulation to a degreaser to reduce TCE use and losses.

Use the TRI P2 Search Tool to view descriptions of facilities’ activities to reduce TCE wastes. For example, an aircraft component manufacturer replaced the existing steam control valve on their TCE vapor degreaser with an electronically controlled steam valve. This change enabled them to run more parts through the degreaser while reducing TCE consumption.