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Fall from grace; An old plating technology is revived

Journal Article · · Hazmat World; (United States)
OSTI ID:5580348

This paper reports that EPA issued the final rule for land disposal restrictions this summer, banning about one-third of all regulated hazardous wastes from landfills. Among the 861 million gallons of banned industrial wastes is 129 million gallons of electroplating sludges. fortunately, a group of researchers from industry and Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) has revived a metals recovery technology that could save some electroplating shops from both supply and disposal costs. Electroplating is one of the least expensive ways of protect an object from corrosion and wear resistance. Finishes are electroplated onto items ranging from jewelry to electronic equipment. It is also a $10 billion business with a value-added market that is an incredibly large number, says Varjian. The mostly small businesses that drive this industry have annual sales ranging around $1 million to $2 million, he adds. Now the managers of electroplating shops must figure out the most cost effective method of dealing with the hazardous sludges they produce that now are banned from landfills.

OSTI ID:
5580348
Journal Information:
Hazmat World; (United States), Journal Name: Hazmat World; (United States) Vol. 1:5; ISSN 0898-5685; ISSN HMWOE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English