An Analysis of Methodsand Applications to Reducethe Hazardous Waste Generation of Paint Related Materials in a Manufacturing Setting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hazardous waste management system of Company XYZ and assess the systems that are currently in place in order toidentify opportunities tominimizehazardous waste paint related materials from asource, process streamline and disposal perspective. Data was gathered as well asanalyzed in relation to waste management associated systems and then presented in a matrix that shares the current status, the potential net gain / cost, a process improvement assessment, and ranking in which Company XYZ may receive the most benefit. The findings of this study provided the basis for both engineering and administrative recommendations for Company XYZ. In the mentioned matrix, providing customer-based incentives to increase the utilization of the powder coating application method may provide the preferredresults todecreasethe extent of hazardous waste paint materials since the waste powder is not considered to be hazardous. The remainder of the systems analyzed also were assessed to improve overall organization profitability and includedthe development / acquisition of a paint purchasing program, increasing the utilization of electrostatic spray painting, heightening employee training, employing a previously-purchasedsolvent recycler, and improving current formalizing hazardous waste disposalpractices.