Page 202 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

180 THE GENERAL APPROACH FOR A SOLID WASTE ASSESSMENT

clean up the spill as V and V . Then calculate the weight fraction of each type of
l
h
sweeping compound used annually and designate them as W and W . These are found
l
h
by dividing the respective annual weights by the total annual weight.
2 Calculate the current total volume of sweepings generated annually, V , by sum-
T
ming annual volumes for each compound, V and V . These volumes are calculated
H
L
by multiplying the weight fraction by the total weight (91,052 lb) and dividing by
the density.
3 Calculate the lowest possible annual total volume, V LT by adding V plus V and
L
H
multiplying by V and dividing by V .
l
h
4 Determine the possible volume reduction for the floor sweeping, R, by taking the
difference between the total volume, V T and the lowest total volume, V . Also
LT
consider whether the compounds are needed to perform specific jobs and the cost
and benefit of changing the current situation.

8.10.6 OXIDE INSERTS

There are 84,514 lb or over 42 tons of oxide inserts in the waste stream each year. The
oxide insert waste is generated in the COS area of the plant. Due to lead contamina-
tion oxide inserts are considered hazardous materials, non-recyclable and therefore
must be sent to the smelter. An updated process analysis of the carbon oxide sulphide
(COS) area may highlight opportunities to decrease insert process scrap.

8.10.7 WOOD

There are 79,447 lb of wood going into the waste stream each year. Wood is
reusable and recyclable and should be handled in such a way that it is beneficial to
both the company and the environment. The waste assessment team observed that
the wood consists of particleboard, pallets, and assorted broken pieces. The wood
is collected by BFI and most likely chipped and sold as environmentally friendly
mulch. The market for chipped wood is saturated and therefore particleboard and
broken pieces cannot be sold for revenue. However, a market remains for standard-
sized pallets in good condition. Table 8.14 is a list of vendors who purchase used,
standard-sized pallets.
Unfortunately, wood was not separated into the three components (particleboard,
broken pieces, and pallets) and therefore it is not possible to estimate the disposal-cost
savings and revenue generation from selling the pallets.

8.10.8 PAPER TOWELS

Currently, the manufacturer purchases 36 cases of restroom paper towels per month.
These are used to supply the seven restrooms within the facility. The rolls are purchased
at $34.50 per case of 12, or $2.88 per roll. This results in a cost of $1242 per month and
$14,904 per year spent on paper towels. Wall-mounted hand dryers were researched to
determine whether or not it would be beneficial to install hand dryers instead of paper