If your operation is in the chemical formulating industry category and you use solvents, pesticides, strong acids or bases, ignitable chemicals, reactive chemicals. or solutions or sludges containing metals or toxic organic chemicals, you might be subject to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements covering the generation, transportation, and management of hazardous waste.
The following chemical formulating industry groups are covered by this summary:
While the specific chemical constituents of your waste can vary depending on the type of chemicals you formulate, most formulators will have wastes that fall under one of the following categories:
Printing ink formulation involves the combination of basic constituents in proportions that depend on the desired properties of the ink. In general, inks are made from coloring materials that can include flushed colors, color concentrates, toners, and pigments; resins and varnishes; and solvents. Pigments might contain heavy metals or other toxic constituents. Resins and varnishes might contain toxic organic constituents. Many spent solvents are listed wastes. In addition to these basic ingredients, other ingredients that contain hazardous materials are sometimes added to adjust the ink's properties. These include driers, waxes, antioxidants, thickeners and gellants, defoamers, wetting agents, and surfactants. The main categories of wastes generated from the formulation of printing ink include alkaline wastes, spent solvents and solvent still bottoms, heavy metal solutions, ink sludges containing chromium or lead, and other wastes that might contain toxic organic constituents.
Pesticide and agricultural chemical formulators mix concentrated pesticides with carriers and dispersing agents for use by pesticide applicators. The formulations can include a number of compounds that enhance the properties of the pesticide product, The carriers, dispersing agents. and other compounds might contain hazardous constituents. In general, the wastes from pesticide and agricultural formulators are pesticide-contaminated rinse solutions generated from washing and rinsing the drums. vats, and assorted instruments used to mix the formulation.
Formulators of pharmaceutical preparations generate spent solvents and solvent still bottoms, ignitable wastes, and possibly toxic wastewaters and sludges. The formulation of paints and coatings (e.g., varnishes, lacquers. enamels) usually involves the use of solvents, driers, plastic resins. alcohols, phthalates, and inorganic pigments. Potentially hazardous wastes from the formulation of paints and coatings are solvent wastes, sludges, cleaning wastes, spills, and spoiled batches. Formulators of other miscellaneous chemical products often generate hazardous wastes including strong acid/alkaline wastes, spent solvents and still bottoms, reactive wastes, ignitable wastes, and toxic wastes.
Table I summarizes some of the general waste types generated during formulation. If you generate more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds or one-half of a 55-gallon drum) of hazardous waste per month, you must complete a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest when you ship your waste off your property. The Manifest requires the DOT (Department of Transportation) description of the waste including shipping name, hazard class, and UN/NA ID number. This information is present in Tables 2 3 through 5 for some wastes generated by formulators. These tables are not comprehensive lists. If you suspect that you generate a hazardous waste that is not on this list, contact your state hazardous waste management agency or EPA Regional office for assistance.
An effective waste minimization program can reduce the costs, liabilities, and regulatory burdens of hazardous waste management, while potentially enhancing efficiency, product quality, and community relations. Waste minimization techniques that can help you reduce the amount of hazardous waste that you generate include:
Last Updated: February 20, 1996