Waste Reduction Activities and Options for a Manufacturer of Wire Stock Used for Production of Metal Items.

摘要

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded a project with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) to assist in conducting waste minimization assessments at thirty small- to medium-sized businesses in the state of New Jersey. One of the sites selected was a facility that manufactures wire stock used for production of metal items. The facility processes carbon steel and stainless steel coiled rods by cold drawing them into smaller diameter wire which is sold as stock for production of metal items such as ball bearings and springs. The process involves several surface cleaning and preparation steps in addition to simple cold drawing. A site visit was made in 1990 during which several opportunities for waste minimization were identified. Options identified included improvement of quality of acid wastes leading to beneficial secondary use, and modification of rinsing procedures to reduce flow of waste water. Implementation of the identified waste minimization opportunities was not part of the program. Percent waste reduction, net annual savings, implementation costs and payback periods were estimated.