Industrial battery manufacturing facilities generate large quantities of hazardous waste, which must be properly treated before it can be disposed. Reducing the quantities of these waste streams can significantly redu...Industrial battery manufacturing facilities generate large quantities of hazardous waste, which must be properly treated before it can be disposed. Reducing the quantities of these waste streams can significantly reduce the cost of treatment and lead to competitive advantages. Waste minimization at these facilities is beneficial for the stakeholders and the environment. The quantities of hazardous waste can be minimized by upgrading the facility＇s technology or substituting hazardous substances, which are used in the battery manufacturing process, with more environmentally friendly options. Separation of waste streams will allow for additional reuse opportunities and revenue generation from the sale of these materials, which will enhance the financial performance of the facility. This paper provides a case study of comprehensive waste minimization in a battery manufacturing plant in Ohio, USA. Source reduction, recovery, and recycling methods are taken into account with consideration given to economic impacts. The goal of the study was to develop an understanding of the facility＇s waste generating processes, to suggest methods to reduce to the waste generation and finally to select an appropriate waste minimization option to suggest the facility＇s management team. Some of the suggested methods are currently being practiced while others are at the initial stage of development.展开更多
In 2005, an innovative program was formed between the local government and The University of Toledo to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost energy assessme...In 2005, an innovative program was formed between the local government and The University of Toledo to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost energy assessments to various types of organizations. Unlike the Industrial Assessment Centers, which focus on manufacturing and are funded by the Federal Government, this program demonstrates that successful partnerships can be established at the local government level to aid various types of organizations in energy conservation and cost reduction. Since 2005, the program completed ten energy assessments and identified over 143,000 kwh and 103,000 kg of CO2 for reduction. Additionally, over $12,000 has been identified as annual cost savings for Lucas County businesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar programs at the local level. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of a typical energy assessment conducted through the project and comparison to similar programs in the US.展开更多
In the extremely competitive world of business and manufacturing, solid waste disposal is often overlooked. There are associated costs with excess raw materials, scrap parts, poor use of resources, and outdated materi...In the extremely competitive world of business and manufacturing, solid waste disposal is often overlooked. There are associated costs with excess raw materials, scrap parts, poor use of resources, and outdated materials. All of these contribute to a company＇s solid waste stream, and must be addressed when calculating the costs of disposal. In addition, it is not ecologically or economically sound decision to allow recyclables to enter landfills. Waste analysis and minimization can be very financially advantageous to companies and should be evaluated. This paper discusses a methodology and a case study that uses a solid waste audit process with a focus on urethane recycling.展开更多
The Hospital Assessment Tool （HAT） is an assessment technique that provides technical support to the healthcare industry for accessing solid waste generation, selecting products, and work practices to eliminate or r...The Hospital Assessment Tool （HAT） is an assessment technique that provides technical support to the healthcare industry for accessing solid waste generation, selecting products, and work practices to eliminate or reduce environmental hazards and solid waste, and to maintain quality patient care. Since 2007, this tool has been applied as part of an innovative partnership between the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District and College of Engineering of the University of Toledo. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program and the HAT so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar concepts to help reduce solid waste generation and improve economic conditions in their regions. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of an assessment conducted at a large hospital in Northwest, Ohio, USA. Also, included in this paper is a discussion of the project＇s background, a comparison to similar project＇s between colleges and government agencies, and results and benefits of the program, and an overview of the opportunities and barriers to this type of research. The project demonstrates that through a cooperative effort and a creative alliance, businesses, governments, universities, and industries can work together to improve environmental quality, reduce waste, and improve profitability. The project also educates college students through practical, real-world environmental work experience and trains them to become future environmental leaders展开更多
文摘Industrial battery manufacturing facilities generate large quantities of hazardous waste, which must be properly treated before it can be disposed. Reducing the quantities of these waste streams can significantly reduce the cost of treatment and lead to competitive advantages. Waste minimization at these facilities is beneficial for the stakeholders and the environment. The quantities of hazardous waste can be minimized by upgrading the facility＇s technology or substituting hazardous substances, which are used in the battery manufacturing process, with more environmentally friendly options. Separation of waste streams will allow for additional reuse opportunities and revenue generation from the sale of these materials, which will enhance the financial performance of the facility. This paper provides a case study of comprehensive waste minimization in a battery manufacturing plant in Ohio, USA. Source reduction, recovery, and recycling methods are taken into account with consideration given to economic impacts. The goal of the study was to develop an understanding of the facility＇s waste generating processes, to suggest methods to reduce to the waste generation and finally to select an appropriate waste minimization option to suggest the facility＇s management team. Some of the suggested methods are currently being practiced while others are at the initial stage of development.
文摘In 2005, an innovative program was formed between the local government and The University of Toledo to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost energy assessments to various types of organizations. Unlike the Industrial Assessment Centers, which focus on manufacturing and are funded by the Federal Government, this program demonstrates that successful partnerships can be established at the local government level to aid various types of organizations in energy conservation and cost reduction. Since 2005, the program completed ten energy assessments and identified over 143,000 kwh and 103,000 kg of CO2 for reduction. Additionally, over $12,000 has been identified as annual cost savings for Lucas County businesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar programs at the local level. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of a typical energy assessment conducted through the project and comparison to similar programs in the US.
文摘In the extremely competitive world of business and manufacturing, solid waste disposal is often overlooked. There are associated costs with excess raw materials, scrap parts, poor use of resources, and outdated materials. All of these contribute to a company＇s solid waste stream, and must be addressed when calculating the costs of disposal. In addition, it is not ecologically or economically sound decision to allow recyclables to enter landfills. Waste analysis and minimization can be very financially advantageous to companies and should be evaluated. This paper discusses a methodology and a case study that uses a solid waste audit process with a focus on urethane recycling.
文摘The Hospital Assessment Tool （HAT） is an assessment technique that provides technical support to the healthcare industry for accessing solid waste generation, selecting products, and work practices to eliminate or reduce environmental hazards and solid waste, and to maintain quality patient care. Since 2007, this tool has been applied as part of an innovative partnership between the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District and College of Engineering of the University of Toledo. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program and the HAT so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar concepts to help reduce solid waste generation and improve economic conditions in their regions. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of an assessment conducted at a large hospital in Northwest, Ohio, USA. Also, included in this paper is a discussion of the project＇s background, a comparison to similar project＇s between colleges and government agencies, and results and benefits of the program, and an overview of the opportunities and barriers to this type of research. The project demonstrates that through a cooperative effort and a creative alliance, businesses, governments, universities, and industries can work together to improve environmental quality, reduce waste, and improve profitability. The project also educates college students through practical, real-world environmental work experience and trains them to become future environmental leaders
