Waste Minimization Efforts at Union Carbide Corporation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The importance of waste minimization has increased since the passage of the 1984 HSWA Amendments. Evaluating the efforts of the regulated community in achieving significant reductions in the volume or toxicity of waste is hindered by the lack of a consistent data base, changing regulations and the impact of other external factors on waste generation. Union Carbide Corporation has encouraged waste recycling for many years. In 1985, over 21,000 tons of hazardous waste were burned for fuel value in on-site boilers. Numerous other recycling and at-source waste reduction efforts are also described in this paper. Recordkeeping and reporting of waste minimization efforts will need improvement to properly document industry's achievements in this area.