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Waste Minimization Techniques
All information on this page was taken from "Basic
Hazardous Waste Management" by William C. Blackham, Jr., Lewis Publishers, 1993. ISBN 0-87371-792-9
Process Changes: An example of a classic process change, resulting in reduced waste generation, is staged use of solvent. An electronics firm switched from using three different solvents - mineral spirits for degreasing machine parts, perchloroethylene for computer housings, and a fluorocarbon-methanol blend for printed circuit boards - to a single solvent system. Fresh solvent is used for the printed circuit boards, then reused to degrease the computer housings, and, last, the machine parts. This practice not only reduced solvent consumption and waste, it eliminated potential cross-contamination of solvents, generated a single waste stream that can be recycled, simplified safety and operating procedures, and increased purchasing leverage (EPA 1989, p. 17).
Equipment, Piping, or Layout Changes: Equipment
changes can be equally beneficial in waste reduction programs. Conventional
paint stripping of aircraft may use 8,000 gallons per aircraft of such solvents
as methylene chloride or hot caustic. The U.S. Air Force has successfully employed
plastic beads propelled by high-pressure jets (bead blasting) to remove paint
from aircraft exteriors. The bead blasting eliminated "hazardous waste generation, improved personnel working
conditions, was easier to perform than solvent paint stripping, and cost less
and used less raw material" (EPA 1989, P. 16).
Automation: Process automation assists or replaces human employees with automatic devices. Automation call includes the monitoring and subsequent adjusting of process parameters by computer or mechanical handling of hazardous substances. Minimizing tile probability of employee error (which can lead to spills or off-spec products) and increasing product yields through the optimum use of raw materials can reduce waste. Bar-coded labels (Figure 8.2) call link containers and materials to a computer through all stages of a container's life. This improves the accuracy of material tracking and inventory accounting. Bar codes allow material monitoring during use and can prevent materials from being lost or becoming outdated.
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