Economic study of solvent recycling and treatment

The Environmental Protection Agency, as part of the National Waste Prevention Programme, have engaged CTC, in conjunction with EPS Consulting, to examine the economic and technical barriers inhibiting distillation or recycling (as material or energy) of solvent in Ireland. The potential for national reuse, achieving greater self-sufficiency and reducing business risks associated with export will be reviewed as part of the study.

Waste solvent is recognised as a well managed hazardous waste stream, but the quantities arising are very significant in national terms.  The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan seeks to reduce waste arisings where feasible, to encourage reuse or recycling where appropriate and finally to ensure proper disposal, consistent with a need to minimise environmental, social and economic impacts of hazardous waste generation and management and a desire to promote national self-sufficiency.

This study will examine the waste arisings (source, quantity, composition, trends), existing reuse and recovery practice and trends, and the potential to beneficially reuse or recover waste solvent nationally, as material or energy source, either at the point of origin or off-site in related or different activities.  The study will recommend changes, if appropriate, and provide a road-map to achieve these changes.