Although the original project objective included the use of acids and filtration methods of minimize waste discharges, developmental testing and improvements obtained throughout the year-long project indicated that acid was no longer required and that the need for membrane filtration was much less than originally anticipated. The company has continually reevaluated its process and reapplied the pollution prevention philosophy in order to use the most efficient and economical process it can. Elimination of acid used to settle and remove sludge. All solutions have been continuously reused for 12 months with absolutely no effluent sewer discharge. Recovery of zinc metal for off-site recycling.
All sludge is recovered from the operation and is sent back to the metal for reclamation.
Recycling of an aqueous-based soap. Soap purchases have been reduced by approximately 90 percent. Except as a prefilter for the membrane, cartridge filters are no longer used and the rinsing step has been eliminated. In addition, product rejection rates have actually decreased in comparison with rejection rates experienced before the project was initiated. In addition to the environmental benefits achieved, many costs savings were quickly realized.