Waste Minimization Assessment for a Manufacturer of Motor Vehicle Exterior Mirrors.

摘要

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded a pilot project to assist small- and medium-size manufacturers who want to minimize their generation of waste but who lack the expertise to do so. Waste Minimization Assessment Centers (WMACs) were established at selected universities and procedures were adapted from the EPA Waste Minimization Opportunity Assessment Manual (EPA/625/7-88/003, July 1988). The WMAC team at the University of Tennessee performed an assessment at a plant manufacturing exterior motor vehicle mirrors--approximately 3 million mirrors per year. Galvanized steel and stainless steel stock undergo stamping, pressing, and cutting operations followed by degreasing. Stainless steel mirror housings are buffed, assembled, packaged, and shipped. Galvanized steel, zinc die-cast, and plastic mirror parts are washed then electrostatically primed and painted. Parts are assembled, packaged, and shipped. The team's report, detailing findings and recommendations, indicated that the majority of the waste was generated in the cleaning and washing areas but that the greatest savings could be obtained by installing an electrostatic powder coating system to reduce primer/paint overspray (100%) solvent evaporation (55%), cleaning solvent evaporation (80%), and still bottoms (80%).