STATUS AND DIRECTION OF WASTE MINIMIZATION IN THE CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRIES

This paper presents an evaluation of the status and direction of toxic /hazardous waste reduction in the chemical and petrochemical industrie s from an international perspective. Pertinent approaches, experiences and trends are described. Industrial waste management has evolved fro m an ''end-of-pipe'' treatment mentality to source reduction as the pr eferred option. It is generally agreed that the Chemical/Petrochemical Industries generate more hazardous and toxic waste than any other ind ustrial sector. Also because of the large quantities of materials and energy used by these industries, significant opportunities are availab le for waste reduction. In almost all cases costs savings have resulte d, many of which are significant. The importance of pollution preventi on by ''clean technologies'' instead of remediation, multi-media consi derations and the significance of product life-cycle assessment in pol lution prevention programs is stressed. Examples are provided which de monstrate, that a proactive approach by DOW, E.I. DuPONT, AMOCO, 3M Co rp., CIBA-GEIGY and others is now becoming the norm. From an internati onal policy perspective, important commonalities and differences in st rategy and efforts for toxics/hazardous waste management exist. Much c an be learned by the mistakes and solutions between cultures and count ries. Much progress has been made in protection of public health and t he environment - but much remains to be done. This paper is intended t o provide a stimulus for discussion aimed at optimizing future waste m inimization activities in the chemical and petrochemical industries.