NJ Waste Reduction Metal Finish

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Background

There are over 31,000 metal finishing facilities in the United States and approximately 1,100 in New Jersey. Even when they vary in size, age and types of operations, they all generate hazardous waste from the production processes. Reducing the generation of hazardous waste can save you money and decrease your future liabilities!

Typical wastes generated in the metal finishing industry are:

This fact sheet identifies areas for reducing waste generation. It also suggests techniques available to metal finishers for waste reduction and is intended to help metal finishing shop owners decide whether waste reduction is a possibility. For more information on waste reduction in fabricated metal manufacturing and metal finishing shops, contact the Hazardous Waste Advisement Program at (609) 292-8341.

Waste Reduction

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, and achievements accomplished, during the reporting period to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste generated.

The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest requires fully regulated generators to certify that they "have a program in place to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste generated... determined to be economically practicable" and that they have selected the "practicable method of treatment, storage, or disposal currently available... which minimizes the present and future threat to human health and the environment".

Since waste reduction methods help reduce the amount of waste generated, and also the amount of waste subject to regulation, these practices can help business comply with the requirements and save money. The following is a list of some common waste reduction practices for metal finishing shops:

Beginning Your Waste Reduction Program:

Assess Hazardous Waste

Waste minimization assessments are essential to identify the sources, types and amounts of hazardous waste generated to make it easier to recommend where and how wastes can be reduced.

Source Reduction

Source reduction is usually the least expensive approach to minimizing waste. Many of these techniques involve housekeeping changes or minor in-plant process modifications.

Improve Procedures and Segregate Wastes

Material Substitution

Extending Process Bath Life

Drag-Out Reduction

Rinse Systems

Recycling and Resource Recovery

Treatment Alternatives

Additional Publications

Some additional publications that may be helpful in overall management of hazardous waste are available from Hazardous Waste Advisement Program.

Hazardous Waste Information Series:

Newsletters:

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: October 10, 1995