Waste minimization

Introduction
Waste Minimization is a stream by stream analysis of the process to reduce or eliminate
non-useful streams and by-products. It is also defined as a process of reducing the
amount and activity of waste materials to a level as low as reasonably achievable.
The approach may be used on existing, or perhaps to better effect, in the planning and
design of new facilities. Over recent years, the emphasis has changed from "end-of-pipe"
treatment to source reduction or waste product re-use. The Waste Minimization VIP is
often conducted in conjunction with Design to Capacity and Energy Optimization.
Waste minimization is now applied at all stages of nuclear processing from power plant
design through operation to decommissioning. It consists of reducing waste generation
as well as recycling, reuse and treatment, with due consideration for both primary wastes
from the original nuclear cycle and secondary wastes generated by reprocessing and
clean-up operations
Waste minimization is a process of reducing the amount and activity of waste materials
to a level as low as reasonably achievable.

Waste Minimization
The objective is to decrease the amount of hazardous waste bound for energy recovery,
treatment, and disposal facilities. Therefore, hazardous waste minimization does not
include treatment processes, such as those that alter the physical, chemical, or biological
composition of waste.
The most effective way to reduce waste outputs is to reduce inputs and to make
processes more efficient. This is commonly called pollution prevention. This can be
achieved through improvements such as: updating outdated and inefficient technologies,
reformulating chemical products to exclude hazardous chemicals, switching to non-toxic
materials used for manufacturing, and increasing efficiency of methods and protocols.
Waste minimization is important because it helps protect the environment and it makes
good business sense. In fact, businesses can simultaneously manage both business
and environmental objectives by focusing on waste minimization. For example,
companies have discovered that waste minimization:
 Saves money through avoided disposal and raw materials purchase costs;
 Reduces regulatory burdens and compliance costs;
 Builds better community relations;
 Minimizes short and long term liability;
  Creates safer working conditions for employees;
 Protects human health and the environment;
 Demonstrates environmental leadership
 Improves competitiveness through greater efficiencies and deceased overhead
costs.
In industry, using more efficient manufacturing processes and better materials generally
reduces the production of waste. The application of waste minimization techniques has
led to the development of innovative and commercially successful replacement products.
Waste minimization efforts often require investment, which is usually compensated by the
savings. However, waste reduction in one part of the production process may create
waste production in another part.

References
Michael I. Ojovan, .. S. (2019). Introduction to Immobilisation. An Introduction to Nuclear Waste
Immobilisation (Third Edition),.

Paul E. Rosenfeld, L. G. (2011). Strategies for the Future – Waste Reduction and Recycling, Treatment
Technologies, and Green Chemistry. Risks of Hazardous Wastes.

Teamfocus. (n.d.). Retrieved from Teamfocus.org: http://www.teamfocus.org/f_wastemin.html

Waste-Hazardous Waste-Waste Minimisation. (2012). United States Environmental Protection Agency.