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Greetings: I am working with a client trying to
identify opportunities for solvent P2 at his business that is in business to
collect used solvent (as a material) then reuse it to clean drums, distill it
and then sell the solvent back to clients. A continuous-use type of
process. I have recommended a few things which are
actually contrary to what they want to achieve at their business and wonder if
any of you had additional ideas. Here is what I have suggested so far – Think about how
you can Ø
Change the Process, (use less solvent to clean drums, train
employees and clients, develop an Ø
Change the Technology, ( distillation efficiency, waste-to-energy unit
like a burner) Ø
Change the material to minimize your waste. (Less toxic
solvents - offer a line of acetone or alcohols to your clients and keep them
separate from other blends that contain halogens. Maybe a percentage of
your clients would prefer this less toxic cleaner.) EPA has a nice
document at several locations including: EPA guidance to
HWM plans: http://gcisolutions.com/HWFN0993.htm This is a
comprehensive guide to minimization published in 2000: http://www.epa.gov/sbo/pdfs/hazwaste_500.pdf This one speaks
to distillation and energy recovery: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/general/manag-hw/e00-001d.pdf We have a
number of documents at http://www.sbeap.org/publications.php?media=Waste,Pollution%20Prevention,Enviromental%20Management%20Systems Other ideas? Nancy J. Larson, RS Director, KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Small Business Environmental Assistance Program |