On-Site Recycling of Hazardous Waste Solvents

Abstract

Small-scale recycling on site is promising for solvents, paints, adhesives, and coolants. Among the benefits are reduced costs for new materials and disposal, and recovering chemicals from wastes uses less energy than producing them from raw materials. The economic desirability of recycling depends on whether it produces enough economic benefits in reduced solvent and disposal costs to pay back the purchase and operating costs of the recycling device. Two baseline studies were used to model the comparative economics of on site solvent recycling. Firms that generate just over the 1,000 gallon per month limit for small quantity generators, and auto repair shops that generate less than 100 gallons per month limit for small quantity generators, and auto repair shops that generate less than 100 gallons per month were used. Net present values and rates of return were calculated in each situation together with sensitivity analysis and break-even analysis to examine how good the devices are under conditions that depart from the baselines. Results show that the device is very profitable for firms generating 100 gallons per month but for firms generating only 20-30 gallons per month of solvent, the device is not economically desirable under some conditions. Policy measures thatmore » would enhance device desirability include: free collection of distillation residues, grants to reduce capital costs of the equipment, and an investment tax credit.« less