This report, which covers the leather tanning and finishing industry, is one of a series of studies which examine land-destined waste from selected industries. For purposes of this study, the tanning industry has been categorized by the types of process solid wastes generated. A total of seven different categories were established. Process solid wastes from the industry consist primarily of pieces of leather in various stages of processing and waste-water treatment sludges. Virtually every tannery waste stream (except those in vegetable tanneries) was designated as potentially hazardous. The concentration of heavy metals (particularly trivalent chromium, lead, copper, and zinc) were found to be at levels such that the wastes containing these constituents were considered to be potentially hazardous. Literature concerning the hazardous nature of trivalent chromium was conflicting. Treatment of tannery wastes is restricted to the dewatering of wastewater treatment sludges. Sludges and other tannery wastes predominantly are being disposed directly to the land. Approximately 60 percent of the potentially hazardous tannery wastes is disposed in some form of landfill with the remainder disposed in trenches or lagoons. Estimates are given for the cost of potentially hazardous waste treatment and disposal for each category of tannery and for each of the three levels of treatment and disposal.

Appendices included. "EPA SW-131C." "November 1976." EPA Project Officer : Allen Pearce Bibliographical references included. Contract Number: 68-01-3261