Waste minimization program implementation

Generate useful technical information about methodologies and technologies for reducing pollution, which could help the U.S. EPA assist other companies implementing pollution prevention/waste minimization programs. 

Despite the many benefits, systematic waste minimization in industry is only occasionally undertaken because of several issues perceived to hinder the successful implementation of a waste minimization program. Although reducing waste quantities brings down waste compliance costs and increases production revenue, the initial cost of implementing a waste minimization program is a significant economic deterrent. 

After considering all pros and cons of the waste minimization program, the option should be qualified to be implemented. After implementation of the proposed option, the process should be monitored carefully and evaluated on a regular basis to determine its efficiency. Otherwise, modification is required to make it beneficial [10]. A successful waste minimization assessment approach has the following stages (Fig. 3.5). 

After a waste minimization program is implemented, the question is, How effective are the options Means to measure the effectiveness need to be in place. Reduction could be achieved in the volume of waste produced or in the degree of hazard. Another measure could be the ratio of waste quantity to material throughput or product output. This measure is applicable for individual... 

The task force must be capable of identifying pollution reduc tion alternatives as well as be cognizant of inherent obstacles to the process. Barriers frequently arise from the anxiety associated with the belief that the program will negatively affect produc t quality or result in production losses. According to an EPA survey, 30 percent of indus-tiy comments responded that they were concerned that product qualify would decline if waste minimization techniques were implemented (Ref. 6). As such, the assessment team, and the team leader in particular, must be ready to react to these and other concerns (Ref. 2fy... 

Selection of the program s goals is done through analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of the waste minimization options identified. Technical evaluation determines whether a proposed option is possible to implement (i.e., is the necessary equipment and/... 

According to information from 3M as well as from numerous facility audits, the initiation of an effective waste reduction program begins with a strong management commitment. It is advisable to "work from the top down". The plan can be implemented beginning with a waste minimization assessment such as the one detailed in the EPA assessment manual (USEPA 1988). 

With increasing popularity and attention to proactive methods, structured methodologies are being developed to systematically explore, analyze, and implement energy conservation and waste minimization or cleaner production programs in industries. In many industries, such techniques are now being used as one of the management tools to monitor and control process efficiency and environmental liabilities. 

EPA believed that the waste minimization must be implemented as a general policy throughout the hazardous waste management system and, ultimately, more broadly throughout all of EPA s pollution control programs. [p. 121]... 

An important consideration of waste minimization projects is their potential to reduce the toxicity of a waste stream and thereby to reduce the environmental risk. Although these risks can be qualitatively identified, it is difficult to quantify their financial impact. Also, although the profitability of a waste minimization assessment program is important in deciding whether to implement a project, compliance with environmental regulations must be considered. Violations may ultimately result in shutting down a facility, or carry possible criminal penalties for the company s responsible people. 

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