Hazardous Waste Reduction Audits

Listed below are industry specific waste reduction audit studies for small quantity hazardous waste generators. Waste reduction audit reports have been completed for nine industry groups according to Standard Industrial Classification Codes (SIC) as follows  

In addition, the following waste reduction audit studies and reports will be completed in future months  

To order copies of these reports write DHS/TSCD 

Alternative Technology Section Technology Clearinghouse 714/744 P Street P.0. Box 94234-7320 Sacramento, CA 94234-7320 

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The major activities undertaken by the Waste Reduction Unit include managing the Department s Hazardous Waste Reduction Grants Program and contracting for waste audit studies to assist California s smaller businesses in reducing their hazardous wastes. Each of these two activities is discussed below. 

Typical Barriers to a Successful Waste Audit Waste Reduction Audit Process Identifying Hazardous Waste Sources Rinsing Systems Chemical Drag-out Chemical Bath Dumps Spills... 

Now you can reconsider the material balance equations by adding those additional factors identified in the previous step. If necessary, estimates of unaccountable losses will have to be calculated. Note that, in the case of a relatively simple manufacturing plant, preparation of a preliminary material-balance system and its refinement (Steps 14 and 15) can usefully be combined. For more-complex P2 assessments, however, two separate steps are likely to be more appropriate. An important rule to remember is that the inputs should ideally equal the outputs - but in practice this will rarely be the case. Some judgment will be required to determine what level of accuracy is acceptable, and we should have an idea as to what the unlikely sources of errors are (e.g., evaporative losses from outside holding ponds may be a materials loss we cannot accurately account for). In the case of high concentrations of hazardous wastes, accurate measurements are needed to develop cost-effective waste-reduction options. It is possible that the material balance for a number of unit operations will need to be repeated. Again, continue to review, refine, and, where necessary, expand your database. The compilation of accurate and comprehensive data is essential for a successful P2 audit and subsequent waste-reduction action plan. Remember - you can t reduce what you don t know is therel... 

The waste audit program is Intended to provide assistance to California s small quantity generators of hazardous waste. This is accomplished by issuing contracts to evaluate waate reduction opportunities in industries typically comprised of small to medium businesses. Waste-generating operations are studied to identify potentials for reducing waste, recycling or recovering resources, or alternative treatment measures. The economic feasibilities of the various alternatives are analyzed, and the study results are compiled in a final waste audit report. 

Librizzi WJ (1990) Hazardous waste treatment processes Including environmental audits and waste reduction. Task Force on Hazardous Waste Treatment, Water Pollution Control Federation, Philadelphia, PA... 

Waste Audits The company must identify the processes, the products, and the waste streams in which (hazardous) chemicals are used. Mass balances of specific (hazardous) chemicals will help to identify source reduction opportunities. Engineering interns could be very valuable in conducting such audits. An outside person can achieve significant progress in this area as well, due to the fact that he or she may be able to cut through some of the management and personnel barriers of the industry. 

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