Background Waste minimisation at source is an integral part of the EU's environmental policy. First and foremost pollution should be prevented at the source whenever feasible. Pollution that cannot be prevented should, in order of preference, be recycled, treated, or as a last resort, disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The environmental problem addressed by this project is the pollution created by the industrial waste in all media (air, water, soil). Objectives The overall scope of the proposed project is the improved environmental performance of the industrial sector. The principal aim is to move pollution prevention up in the hierarchy of waste management options. The specific objectives are: A. To ensure the readiness of the competent bodies to assist this reorientation among SMEs towards waste minimisation practices, via the development and establishment of a self-sustaining support structure. . To stimulate and assist SMEs in adopting waste minimisation practices by running an advice service and information programme within the framework of a self-sustaining support structure and by pilot testing and demonstrating the viability of specific Best Practice Projects. C. To validate the sustainability plan by the extension of the support structure to other sectors and geographical areas. D. To disseminate the concept and benefits of waste minimisation at source to target groups. Results The project achieved all its objectives. The beneficiary established a wide network of industrial contacts, decision-makers, educational institutions and others. The planned environmental help line (EHL) was put into operation. SIGMA Consultants, a project partner, is committed to funding the EHL for three years after the end of the LIFE project. The multi-membrane pilot plant (membrane bioreactor) was constructed for demonstration purposes. It consists of several membranes, pumps, 3 tanks of 1m3 and a unit for hyperfiltration. Fifteen companies were invited to participate in the pilot testing programme and four of the 12 companies that expressed an interest (covering three industrial activities – dairy products, textile dyeing, and yeast manufacturing) participated in pilot tests. A total of five pilot tests with four different waste types were performed within the duration of the project. The beneficiary intends to continue implementing pilot tests. Firms in the metal finishing and pesticides industries have already expressed an interest in taking part. Dissemination activities included the creation of a website and articles in the local press and technical journals. Good practice guides and case studies (best practice examples) for the food, the chemical, the painting and the metal processing industries were prepared and widely distributed. Towards the end of the project, the project team produced a booklet (in 1000 copies) presenting its activities and results. This was distributed to all the members of the EHL network. The beneficiary aims to expand the EHL network and apply its results to other geographic regions. Discussions have started with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which, since the end of 2005, has been implementing a project entitled "Development of cross-border networks and transfer of know-how on waste minimisation and industrial risk assessment issues". The staff working on the EHL will update and expand the database and website in line with relevant changes to Greek waste legislation. The beneficiary also plans to cover a wider range of environmental topics (EMAS and ISO14001, energy savings, feasibility studies for environmental investments) and sectors (industrial and non-industrial).