AN EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS-WASTE THERMAL-DESTRUCTION CAPACITY

Thermal destruction capacity for commercial hazardous waste in the Uni ted States is examined to determine current and future capacity requir ements. This study focuses on commercial incinerators and cement kilns burning conventional hazardous wastes. Aggregate maximum and availabl e capacity estimates are derived using the most recent information. On a national basis, available capacity far exceeds present demand. On a regional basis, capacity appears sufficient with the exception of the California area. However, this shortfall appears insignificant given the overall capacity situation. While incineration demand may increase for solids and sludges as a consequence of Land Ban disposal restrict ions and other reasons, capacity for these wastes again appears suffic ient to meet current and projected demands. Thus, arguments that addit ional commercial incineration capacity will be needed to accommodate a n expected increase in incinerable hazardous waste cannot be supported by the available information. The analysis raises concerns about the determination of realistic capacity estimates, and the lack of interac tion between the capacity assurance process that documents the need fo r capacity and state siting processes for new waste management facilit ies. The excess incineration capacity shown in this paper will contrib ute to the successful implementation of EPA's goal to reduce national capacity.