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ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH BRIEF: WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS FOR A MANUFACTURER OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS.
Citation:
Ulbrecht, A. AND D. J. Watts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH BRIEF: WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS FOR A MANUFACTURER OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS. EPA/600/S-92/064 (NTIS 93-126217), 1992.
Impact/Purpose:
Information.
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded a project with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) to assist in conducting waste minimization assessments at thirty small- to medium-sized businesses in the state of New Jersey. One of the sites selected was facility that manufactures orthopedic implants for use by the health care industry. The parts are produced in a molding operation using stainless steel or cobalt chromium alloy. Computer-controlled cutting is used to produce the bearings for the implants according to precise specifications. Site visit was made in 1990 during which several opportunities for waste minimization were identified. Options identified include on-site distillation and reuse of solvent, alternative degreasing techniques, and reuse of metal cutting fluids. Implementation of the identified waste minimization opportunities was not part of the program. Percent waste reduction, net annual savings, implementation costs and payback periods were estimated.