Hazardous waste minimization through life cycle cost analysis at federal facilities

In response to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments, many federal facilities are carefully examining hazardous waste minimization issues. A hazardous waste minimization assessment was conducted recently at five military installations. Sources and types of waste somewhat varied among the installations. Major waste sources included motor pools and vehicle maintenance facilities; industrial maintenance and small arms shops; aviation maintenance facilities; paint shops; photography, arts and crafts shops; and hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Typical waste streams included used engine oil, cleaning and degreasing solvents, paint thinners, antifreeze and coolants, batteries, inks, and pathological wastes. Source reduction, recycling, and treatment were considered as the three major modes of waste minimization. Through life-cycle cost analysis, feasible modes of waste minimization are presented.