Page 405 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

IMPLEMENTATION AND APPROACH 383

28.4 Potential Technologies

and Strategies

The following is a list of diversion options for waste in preferred order of implementation:

1 Source reduction—Source reduction, including reuse, can help reduce waste
disposal and handling costs, because it avoids the costs of recycling, municipal
composting, landfilling, and combustion. Source reduction also conserves
resources and reduces pollution, including greenhouse gases that contribute to
global warming.
2 In-process and off-site recycling—Using recycled paper as a raw material versus
virgin trees offers double environmental benefits. Fewer trees will be harvested for
paper manufacturing and this waste will be diverted from landfills. Most estimates
indicate that recycling 1 ton of paper typically saves approximately 17 trees and
3
about 6.7 yd of landfill space (2500 lb). In addition, paper pulp waste has been tested
as a new source of raw material for the synthesis of a porous ceramic composite.
A synthetic porous ceramic composite material consisting of the mullite, cordierite,
and cristobalite phases is produced from a mixture of paper pulp waste and
clay by reaction sintering at 1400 C. For more information visit the Web site
www.springerlink.com/content/h7j112mv54112648.
3 Land spread on cropland or daily landfill cover—If the pulp is contaminate free,
the wastes may be used as land spread on cropland or as daily cover for local land-
fills. Using the material as daily landfill cover may also reduce disposal fees and
related taxation.
4 Energy recovery—Energy recovery includes any technique or method of minimizing
the input of energy to an overall system by the exchange of energy from one subsys-
tem of the overall system with another. For example, pulp scrap may be burned to
heat a building or water tanks. Biofuels potential is another option. Energy produc-
tion from unused wood fiber has been identified as a potential opportunity for the
forest industry. Higher energy costs may make this opportunity economically viable.

28.5 Implementation and Approach

Tips for implementing solid waste reduction in the paper processing industry:

■ Consult with local and state recycling coordinators. These solid waste planners may
help locate a market for paper-product discards or provide technical advice. Some
agencies award grant money for innovative projects.
■ Ask the solid waste planners to provide you with contacts and information about
businesses with successful paper-product recovery programs. By networking with
other businesses you will be able to learn from their experiences. These organiza-
tions can also provide assistance in finding haulers and end users in your area.