NCSU Waste Minimization Guidelines

Waste minimization is required for all persons who generate wastes. Understanding the processes in the work area is essential to evaluating options. The following guidelines serve as a starting point for establishing a waste minimization process review.

• Purchase only what is needed, minimize and rotate inventories, redistribute excess.
• Substitute non-hazardous or less toxic materials in chemical processes, experiments, and maintenance operations.
• Review and modify process to minimize amount of waste generated, allow for closed-loop recycling, in-process neutralization, or other minimization activities.
• Select equipment not only for task, but potential for failure, accident, or other occurences that could result in release of hazardous materials.
• Isolate wastes from various steps to allow more treatment options and prevent cross-contamination.
• Separate hazardous waste from non-hazardous waste.
• Neutralize acids and bases that do not contain toxic metals or organics.
• Recover toxic materials from process wastes, such as silver from photographic fixers.

For additional information, contact Bruce Stewart at 515-6864 or Rob Pecarina at 515-6863.