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.
Sound environmental choices build successful businesses. Whatever your need, this is where to start.
Permit Information and Assistance
DEC can help your business grow in efficiency and in environmental stewardship by assisting you with the following:
- Determining whether you need a permit
- Obtaining a permit
- Checking the status of a pending permit
- Learning about applicable regulatory guidelines
DEC can help your business grow both in
efficiency and environmental responsibility
Environmental Audit Incentive Policy
Commissioner Policy 59- Environmental Audit Incentive 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.
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.
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 the state's New York Business Express (link leaves DEC's website) offers additional guidance.
More about Help for Businesses:
- Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure Program - This page explains the requirements for manufacturers to disclose ingredients in household cleaning products.
- Farms and Agriculture - Provides information that assists the agricultural community in complying with environmental requirements
- Greening Your Business - Helps businesses operate more sustainably through programs and resources that include information about waste management, pollution prevention and tax credits for green building
- The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) - NYSP2I promotes cost-effective methods to conserve energy, reduce wastes and improve performance
- Permit Information and Assistance - Explains how to obtain a permit or determine the status of a pending permit and links to other resources and technical assistance for businesses
