plastic waste

[Vince Perelli <perelli@deswmdpl.mv.com>]

P2Techers,

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I'll do it anyway.  If
there is a better electronic list or contact, please let me know.

I just got a call from a plastic car parts manufacturer regarding
approximately 10 - 20 tons per year of molded/painted automotive trim with
nylon attachments, metal studs, "bright strip," etc... The base material is
thermoplastic polyolefin or (TPO).  I asked a bunch of questions about the
source of this waste and was told that it is mostly prototypes, defective
parts generated during the "launch phase" of new product lines, and left
overs/overruns from older parts (apparently older product lines are kept
around for future body work and repairs).  

The company apparently reworks and regrinds some of the material, but there
is more left over than they can deal with.  The stuff does have good BTU
value, but tends to clump in the incinerator, drip through the incinerator
grates, and cause fires - or something like that.  The last resort is to
send the stuff to a secure landfill.

My first thought is that a manufacture of TPO-related products might be able
to use the material, but it seems pretty contaminated with paint, nylon and
metal fasteners.  I'm kinda stumped on this one.

Any ideas, such as waste exchange leads, would be appreciated.  Thanks in
advance.

Vince Perelli



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Vincent R. Perelli
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Pollution Prevention Program
6 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301-6509
phone:  603  271-2902
fax:    603  271-2456
perelli@deswmdpl.mv.com

A thought from E.F. Schumaker in 1973 - "We must begin to see 
the possibility of evolving a new life style, with new methods
of production and new patterns of consumption;  a life-style 
designed for permanence"

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