Most ofthe hazardous waste generated in the U.S. is landdis osed without prior treatment. In a surve of ten states, in ; P ustrial wastes were among the most ge uently reported sources ofgroundwater contamination 13. Yet, valuable materials are contained in the millions of tons of industrial waste that are discarded each ear. Rather than disposing, ess to re uce reuse, or eliminate the waste is offen a more attractive and cost-effective solution. With the increasing costs ofwaste-disposal options, as well a s long-term liabilities associated with containment methods, process modifications should he considered a primary method for waste control.
The options available for waste management are illustrated in Figure 1. Up to 80 percent of waste currently generated in t h e U.S. is directly landfilled [2]. Volumereduction methods can be employed to increase the landfill space available for other wastes or render the waste easier to handle. Hazard-reduction methods are treatment techniques that break down hazardous constituents into non-hazardous compounds, reduce the level of hazardous constituents, or substitute a less hazardous component. The process-modification approach employs both methods of volume and hazard reduction.
Process changes are not a new concept. Industry has been effectively using process modifications to reduce operating costs and increase operating efficiencies, but generally, waste control has not been a primary incentive. Reduced operating costs have been achieved through changes in raw material, energy, and labor requirements. In some cases, equipment changes have resulted in reduced capital re( uirements as well. can lead to the implementation of cost-effective process changes for hazardous-waste reduction.