INTERNATIONAL CLEANER PRODUCTION INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE

CASE STUDY # 106

1. Headline: IBM implements a recycling programme to reduce

wastes

2. Background: See below.

3. Cleaner Production Principle: Internal recycling

4. Description of Cleaner Production Application: Faced

with the rising costs of virgin chemicals and waste

disposal, IBM implemented a program to recycle their

wastes. Two major waste solvent streams were determined

suitable for recycling. These were the spent Alpha

Reliasolve used to deflux electronic boards, and Freon

isopropyl circuit cleaner used in the vapor degreasing of

circuit boards. By recycling these two solvents, IBM

reduced the amount of wastes requiring disposal by 95

percent. Since 1980 over 1.5 million pounds have been

recycled.

Recycling Alpha Reliasolve and Freon isopropyl circuit

cleaner saved IBM over $1.6 million in virgin chemical

costs over the last 4 years. In 1984 the cost savings

were about $500,000. Additional savings are the result of

the reduction in waste management costs.

Material/Energy Balance and Substitution

WASTES: Alpha Reliasolve, Freon isopropyl circuit cleaner

MEDIUM: Liquid and air

5. Economic

DIRECT COST: (1984) $500,000/year (1984

dollars)

6. Advantages:

FEEDSTOCK REDUCTION: $1.6 million/4 years (solvents)

IMPACT: By recycling two waste streams, the amount of

wastes requiring disposal was reduced by 95 percent. From

1980 through 1985 over 1.5 million pounds were recycled.

Raw materials and waste management costs are reduced.

7. Contact and Citation:

Accomplishments of North Carolina Industries - Case

Summaries, Hunt, G. et al., North Carolina Department of

Natural Resources and Community Development, January 1986,

p. 24

Name and Location of

Company:

North Carolina Department of Natural Resources

and Community Development

P.O. Box 27687

Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687

United States

TEL: 1 (919) 733-7015

9. Keywords: United States, USA, electronic, computer,

recycling, printed circuit board, solvent, degreasing,

IBM, ISIC 3674.

10. Reviewer's Comments: This case study was originally

abstracted for the United States Environmental Protection

Agency's Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse.

It underwent a UNEP IE funded technical review in 1994 for

quality and completeness. It was edited for the ICPIC

diskette in July 1995.

( Docno: UNEP02.52 034-010-A-169 )