Waste Reduction for the Commercial Printing Industry

Introduction

The commercial printing industry generates hazardous waste as a result of its variety of operations. This fact sheet introduces the hazardous waste reduction concept specifically for the commercial printing industry. Printers may incorporate this concept and the fact sheet's suggestions into their overall operations and save money on hazardous waste management costs while protecting their workers and the environment.

Wastestreams Typical of the Commercial Printing Industry:

Waste Reduction Incentives

Hazardous waste reduction can be an effective, economic way to reduce hazardous waste management costs. In some instances, it may require some initial capital investment to introduce and implement waste reduction practices. However, these "up-front costs" could be quickly recovered when hazardous waste management and liability costs are reduced. Other advantages include:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous Waste Advisement Program
Bureau of Regulation and Classification

Waste Reduction Requirements

The New Jersey state regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:26-7.4(g)) require that generators of hazardous waste file an Annual Generator's Report. Among other requirements, this report must include a description of the efforts undertaken, during the reporting period, to reduce the volume and toxicity of wastes generated. For more information on the annual report call (609) 292-7081.

The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest requires that large quantity generators (those generating greater than 220 pounds or 100 kilograms of hazardous waste) certify that they "have a program in place to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste generated" and that they have selected the "most practicable method of treatment, storage, or disposal currently available... which minimizes the present and future threat to human health and the environment."

Waste Reduction Alternatives

Management Commitment

An important aspect of any waste reduction program is management commitment. The commitment shows employees that managers place a high priority on waste reduction. For example, a conspicuously posted shop policy, signed by top management, requiring waste reduction will aid in making it a critical part of all day-to-day activities. All employees must be encouraged to participate in reducing wastes to the greatest extent possible.

In addition, if an employee is placed in charge of identifying ways to reduce wastes, he or she must be given the cooperation, by both employees and management, necessary to implement changes in shop operations.

Employee Awareness

Good Housekeeping

Image Processing

Silver compounds are classified as hazardous wastes under state and federal law if liquid wastes exceed five milligrams per liter of silver at a pH of 5.0. If process baths are discharged into the sewer, a permit by the local sanitation department is usually required. Concentrations of silver-contaminated wastewater must be maintained below the limits established by the sewer authorities.

Ways to Manage Silver

Process Baths

Plate Processing

Replace metal etching processes, with the associated hazardous chemical solutions and heavy metals, wherever possible.

Alternative Plates Include:

  1. Presensitized lithographic - some solutions resulting from these plates can be discharged to the industrial sewer with written authorization or permit from the sanitation district. Water based solutions are currently available and widely used. The plates can be sold to an aluminum recycler.
  2. Plastic or photopolymer - generally these are processed with a water based solution containing little or no hazardous waste.
  3. Flexographic.
  4. Electrostatic - paper plates made directly from artwork are used on copier/duplicator presses and eliminate several process steps.

In addition, hot metal can be remelted or sold to a recycler.

Printing and Finishing

Inks

Many clients would use less hazardous products if given the choice, provided that product quality is not compromised. Inform clients of specific inks that are recyclable or are not hazardous and provide samples illustrating finished products. Encourage them to select these materials.

The composition of inks varies widely. Some inks contain chemicals that would be classified as hazardous; others do not. Inks frequently get their color from the metals or hazardous pigments they contain. Inks containing metals and/or those using a solvent carrier are often classified as hazardous. It is the responsibility of shop owners to determine whether the inks used in their operations are hazardous. For assistance in making the determination, review the container label, the MSDA, or ask your ink distributor (You can also contact the Department's Waste Classification Unit at 609-292-8341 for more information.)

Most inks can be recycled; they are often blended to make black ink. For smaller print shops, consider coordinating with larger plants or newspapers (that use a rubber or oil based ink) to recycle ink. These businesses usually recycle their inks on-site or ship them off-site in bulk shipments. Also consider purchasing inks from a distributor who will take or buy back unused or spent inks.

Waste Reduction Alternatives for Inks

Advantages of Water-Based Inks (flexographic and gravure processes)

Advantages of Ultraviolet Inks

Advantages of Electron Beam Drying (EB) (used on web presses)

Isopropyl Alcohol

Use a fountain solution that contains low concentrations of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or one containing no IPA. IPA emissions can cause air pollution problems and may require the installation of pollution control equipment. Substitutes are available. Operational adjustments may be required to make them work well, but the alternative cost of air pollution control equipment installation can make the effort economically worthwhile.

Waste Solvents

Waste solvents are generated when cleaning presses. These wastes are considered hazardous and should be recycled. For a listing of recycling companies, check the telephone book under "Solvents" or contact the Hazardous Waste Advisement Program for a list of commercial recyclers. Solvents may not be disposed of to land. Discharge of solvents to the industrial sewer is, in general, not allowed.

Rags become contaminated with ink and solvent. Contaminated rags to be disposed of are considered hazardous waste. The disposable rags must be stored separately from municipal trash and transported according to hazardous waste regulations.

Solvent Alternatives

Waste Lubricating Oils

Lubricating oils should be managed as hazardous wastes when they have no further use. Call the Hazardous Waste Advisement Program at (609) 292-8341 for information on waste oil handling. Waste oil must be transported by a hazardous waste hauler registered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Additional Publications

Disposal of Small Volumes of Photographic Processing Solutions
Eastman-Kodak Publication J-52
343 State Street, Rochester, N.Y., 14650

Waste Audit Study - Commercial Printing Industry
California Department of Health Services, Toxic Substances
Control Division, May 1988

Waste Minimization, Issues and Options
Volume II
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
October 1986

Environmental Aspects of Chemical Use in Printing Operations Conference Proceedings
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Toxic Substances
January 1976

The following additional publications which may be helpful in overall management of hazardous waste are available from the Hazardous Waste Advisement Program.

Hazardous Waste Information Series:

News Letters:

Technical Information Publications (TIP):

Waste Minimization Publications:

Other Publications: Regulations:

Water Resources Publications:

Further Information

For information about regulatory requirements contact the Hazardous Waste Advisement Program at (609) 292-8341 or write to:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Hazardous Waste Management
401 East Street, CN028, 5th Floor
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Attn: Hazardous Waste Advisement Program


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Last Updated: January 4, 1996