| Contents Notes |
This report defines and evaluates on technical, economic, risk, and legal grounds the various alternatives for managing hazardous wastes. The basic alternative approaches that were considered included: (1) on-site processing; (2) off-site processing; and, (3) on-site pre-treatment with off-site treatment and disposal. The major emphasis of the study, therefore, was devoted to assessing differences among these alternative approaches in: the economics associated with waste treatment; the immediate risk to human safety, as well as the eventual hazard to the environment and, the legal and institutional issues that would have an impact on a national treatment system. The major and significant conclusion of this report is that on economic grounds alone, off-site treatment facilities will be preferred by a majority of producers of industrial hazardous wastes, with the possible exception of those who handle explosives and dilute aqueous wastes. Although the shape and form of the processing system may vary, because of individual differences, this conclusion will be true for all regions of the United States. |
