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 )