How Waste Is Processed
Recycling
Some solvents and mercury may be reprocessed into useful products.
Fuel Blending
This method recovers energy from wastes which aren’t suitable for recycling, such as some paints, kerosene, and other flammable liquids. Once blended, these wastes become fuel for industrial kilns or boilers.
Chemical Treatment
Through chemical procedures, poisons like cyanides are neutralized.
Incineration
Most pesticides, herbicides, aerosol cans, cleaners, waxes and flammable materials not suitable for recycling or fuel use are burned in high temperature incinerators equipped with monitoring instruments and air pollution control devices.
Secure Chemical Landfill
A solvent such as paint thinner may go to a recycler, where clean product is separated from impurities called “still bottoms.” The still bottoms are then incinerated, producing harmless gases and a small amount of ash. The ash is then deposited in a secure landfill.