Help For Businesses
Businesses that use sound environmental decisions in their operations are the strongest, most successful enterprises in NYS. Whether your business needs help with a permit application (contact the appropriate regional permit administrator, or refer to our Permits webpage for more information), or you want to make your business greener, partnering with DEC early in the process is the best way to benefit the environment and your bottom line.
DEC can help your business grow both in efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Whatever your need, this is where to start.
Permits
Permit Information and Assistance
DEC can help your business grow in efficiency and in environmental stewardship by assisting you with the following:
Environmental Audit Incentive Policy
Commissioner Policy 59- Environmental Audit Incentive (PDF) encourages regulated entities to audit their operations and adopt effective approaches to prevent violations, such as using environmental management systems and pollution prevention techniques. This will improve compliance with environmental laws statewide, and protect public health and the environment.
CP-59 reduces or waives penalties for violations that are discovered and disclosed voluntarily, and for violations discovered during pollution prevention or compliance assistance.
New Owners - If you are acquiring a business, the policy includes special provisions to encourage new owners to disclose violations discovered during acquisition.
Greening Your Business
Businesses face many challenges, but greening yours shouldn't be one of them. Improve your bottom line and incorporate sustainability into your everyday business practices.
DEC collaborates with the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. NYSP2I offers unparalleled capabilities in remanufacturing, polymer processing, toxics reduction, resource conservation, and environmental engineering.
Source reduction is any activity that prevents the creation of solid waste at the point of generation. DEC offers tips to help your business operate successfully using source reduction techniques.
Your business may also be interested in the New York State Green Procurement Program. It develops specifications and provides guidance for state agencies, public authorities and public benefit corporations to purchase green products and services.
For product packaging, you will want to make sure you are familiar with New York State's Hazardous Packaging Law.
Topic Areas of Interest to Businesses Include:
Air Regulations for Small Businesses
DEC provides Assistance with Air Regulations for Small Businesses.
There is new Rulemaking on Solvent Cleaning Processes and Industrial Cleaning Solvents under Part 226. Please refer to this fact sheet (PDF) to learn about pollution prevention tips related to hazardous waste and air quality.
Waste Management and Beneficial Use Determinations
Additional resources are available to help businesses regarding solid waste, solid waste management facilities, and beneficial use determinations (BUDs). It is also necessary for businesses to know what steps to take regarding waste management, composting, and recycling.
In 2019, NYS passed the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law. Effective January 1, 2022, businesses who waste large quantities of food (defined as generating an annual average of two tons per week or more) must donate excess edible food and recycle all remaining food scraps if they are within 25 miles of a food scraps recycler (composting, anaerobic digestion, etc.) Examples of these large generators are grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, colleges, event centers, etc.
DEC encourages businesses, no matter the size, to evaluate the amount of wasted food and food scraps they generate and to rethink how they may reduce, donate and/or recycle this food. Learn more about wasted food and food scraps management for businesses.
Recycling for Businesses
DEC provides additional information regarding recycling for businesses. Topics include:
Waste Reduction and Recycling for Businesses
Pollution Prevention
From PFAS concerns to coal-tar based pavement sealer prohibitions, preventing pollution is a priority. Such actions are taken to safeguard New York's citizens along with our air, water, lands, and wildlife. Protecting people and our environment are in the best interests of all -- especially New York State businesses. Such measures are designed to help businesses use sustainable practices and prosper while also ensuring the health and safety of employees, consumers, wildlife and ecosystems throughout our state. It is important for New York to have thriving natural, economic, and business environments. Find details about statewide initiatives:
Pollution Prevention
Pollution Prevention Resources Continued:
Contracting with DEC
DEC contracts for commodities and services that are needed to fulfill its mission, including promoting Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (M/WBE). DEC also contracts to provide state and local assistance funding to eligible recipients.
Additional Resources
DEC's Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling provides information to assist small businesses and recommends practical source reduction tips for businesses. Meanwhile, the state's New York Business Express offers additional guidance.
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