Urethane Recycling as a Component of a Responsible Waste Management Program. Presented by: Sean Easton Effective Environmental

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Mervyn Newton
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1 Urethane Recycling as a Component of a Responsible Waste Management Program Presented by: Sean Easton Effective Environmental

2 Today s Agenda Overview of Waste Rules The Recycling Exemption Long-term Liability Considerations Existing Urethane Recycling Options Case History Summary

wastes (listed or characteristic) Materials that are recycled (used,

3 A General Waste Overview Solid wastes that are discarded must be characterized to determine if they may be classified as HAZARDOUS wastes (listed or characteristic) Materials that are recycled (used, reused or reclaimed) are exempted from the solid waste/ hazardous waste determination

4 State Waste Rules May Vary Some states have enacted additional requirements for the management of industrial wastes Texas requires further characterization of industrial waste as either Class 1, 2 or 3 nonhazardous

Document the characterization Repeat the

5 E 2 Recommendation Whether intended for disposal or recycling, perform a formal hazardous waste characterization Generator knowledge and/or lab analysis Document the characterization Repeat the characterization any time the production process changes

Cradle to Grave Liability The primary concern for waste generators is typically NOT the permitted landfills and incineration facilities Recycling facilities have low

6 Cradle to Grave Liability The primary concern for waste generators is typically NOT the permitted landfills and incineration facilities Recycling facilities have low barriers to entry, and little or no regulatory oversight If a recycler is forced into a cleanup (Superfund), it s clients likely become the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

7 Escaping (?) PRP Status Presentation of documented waste characterization protocols should relieve the generator of cleanup responsibility Due diligence of your recyclers should be as (if not more ) important as your selected waste disposal vendors

8 Advanced Recycling Options Glycolysis produces polyols, a key polyurethane raw material, from process and post-consumer polyurethane scrap by reacting polyurethanes with diols at high temperatures Hydrolysis, a reaction of polyurethane with water, can produce polyols and amine intermediates from polyurethane process and post-consumer scrap

Advanced Recycling Options Pyrolysis uses a heated, oxygen-free environment to break down polyurethane and plastics into gas and oil Hydrogenation takes pyrolysis one step

9 Advanced Recycling Options Pyrolysis uses a heated, oxygen-free environment to break down polyurethane and plastics into gas and oil Hydrogenation takes pyrolysis one step further to produce pure gases and oils through a combination of heat, pressure and hydrogen Source: Center for the Polyurethanes Industry website Recycling & Waste Reduction

Urethane Scrap Recycling Some forms of urethane

Shavings used as biomass accumulators for use in

carpet cushion and athletic mats Shredded scrap

10 Urethane Scrap Recycling Some forms of urethane waste can be directly recycled into new products Shavings used as biomass accumulators for use in fish tanks Scrap foam converted to polyurethane carpet cushion and athletic mats Shredded scrap used as packaging and stuffing for pillows, plush toys, etc.

11 Challenges to Urethane Recycling Unless one of these direct recyclers is nearby, transportation costs can far exceed savings The heat generated by grinding urethane can damage equipment without costly modifications

12 The Green Perspective In general, recycling is NOT less expensive than landfill disposal However, if the company has established green goals, a responsible recycler can help meet these initiatives A full-service environmental firm can provide options that consider both the environmental AND economic costs

13 TD Williamson TDW needed a solution for the handling of unused polyurethane pigs, cups and scrap Recycling was preferred over landfill Preferred a destructive method due to proprietary design

14 Solution Found In order to minimize possibility of product theft, scrap shipped to plastic shredder who could process upon receipt Company audited operations to insure the mixed plastic scrap was properly reused by downline processors To further reduce liability, shipper s indemnification extended to TDW

Liability does not go away when the truck leaves the yard

15 Summary Evaluate your generating processes and constituents of all wastes Document everything! Liability does not go away when the truck leaves the yard There are advantages to partnering with those who are not tied to one technology

Polyurethane. Polyurethane Recycling and Recovery. Options for Polyurethane Recycling and Recovery

Polyurethane. Polyurethane Recycling and Recovery. Options for Polyurethane Recycling and Recovery Options for Polyurethane Recycling and Recovery Polyurethane Repair and Reuse Mechanical Recycling Chemical Recycling Feedstock Mechanical Energy Recovery Long-life products, such as building panels can