Recognizing the need for minimizing the generation of hazardous waste, the chemical industry is experiencing a surge in the initiation of program for reducing such waste. With a new realization that the cost of handling waste may be many times higher than the value of the materials lost in it, the industry needs to examine a new end-point for optimizing its processes; one that includes the total cost of waste management as well as the conventional cost elements such as raw materials, power and the like. In addition to meeting environmental needs, waste reduction often makes good sense solely from an economic point of view.