Page 450 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

428 ELECTRONICS, SEMICONDUCTORS, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

the intent that other facilities could learn and apply the successful pollution-
prevention measures that others had implemented.
■ Common Violations during CUPA Inspections—This was a practical presentation
focusing on the violations Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA) inspectors
commonly find, and the appropriate avoidance techniques.
■ Universal Waste and Senate Bill 20—This discussion about California’s universal
waste rule included what wastes were designated as universal wastes, and the stan-
dards for their management. Additionally, an update was provided on Senate Bill
20, which establishes a program for collection and recycling of covered electronic
devices.
■ Pollution Prevention in the European Union (WEEE and Restriction of Hazardous
Substances [RoHS] Directives)—The European Union set various dates at which
electronic companies must comply with the EU’s directives on electronic- and
electrical-equipment manufacturers to take back end-of-life equipment (WEEE),
and restrictions of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical or electronic
components (RoHS).

In addition to these strategies, several other viable source-reduction options were
identified at the conference. Waste minimization in this sector involves the use of
processes, practices, or products that reduce or eliminate the generation of pollutants
and wastes. The techniques that can be considered for waste minimization in the
industry are

■ Product changes—Product substitution, product conservation, and change in product
composition
■ Input-material changes—Material substitution and fewer contaminants in materials
used
■ Technology changes—Change in production processes and equipment, piping, and
waste-separation
■ Operating practices and process changes—Prevention of material or product losses,
waste-stream segregation, production scheduling, and overflow controls
■ Production-process changes—Changes in temperature, pressure, automation,
equipment
■ Product reformulations—Changes in design, composition, or specification of final
product
■ Recycling and reuse—Reuse in same or another process and usable by-product
production
■ Administrative steps—Inventory control, employee programs

The evaluation of source-reduction criteria includes

■ Amount of waste reduced
■ Technical feasibility
■ Economic feasibility
■ Effects on product quality