Strategy for Waste Reduction

A way to classify wastestreams is to consider them intrinsic, extrinsic, or somewhere in-between. Intrinsic wastes are inherent in the fundamental process configuration, whereas extrinsic ones are associated with the auxiliary aspects of the operation. 

Extrinsic wastes are more functional in nature and are not necessarily inherent to a specific process configuration. These may occur as a result of unit upsets, selection of auxiliary equipment, fugitive leaks, process shutdown, sample collection and handling, solvent selection, or waste handling practices. Extrinsic wastes can be, and often are, reduced readily through administrative controls, additional maintenance or improved maintenance procedures, simple recycling, minor 

A recent study of programs for existing facilities of several companies reveals that a pollution-prevention initiative will tend to progress in stages.9 After a training period and an audit of the wastes in the process, the first reduction efforts emphasize the simple, obvious, and most cost-effective alternatives and are generally directed at extrinsic wastes. 

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Recycling although recycling is specifically mentioned in The Dupont Commitment , no strategy for waste reduction or examples are given. However, a yes score has been given since figures can be derived for the USA from TRI data. 

Recycling recycling does appear to be actively pursued as a strategy for waste reduction. The Materials Business remit is to convert waste materials into co-products. In 1998, 800 000 tonnes were removed from the waste chain. Examples given in the CER include ... 

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