Waste Polymerization
January 2022 – Joe VanCamp
Manufacturing facilities in the fiberglass industry should take advantage of the opportunity to treat its ignitable hazardous waste resin in containers on-site without the need to obtain a RCRA permit from the USEPA. This polymerization process involves the reacting of small quantities of waste polyester/styrene monomers and catalyst to create an inert non-hazardous plastic material that can be disposed of as a solid waste. The containers used for the polymerization process must still be managed in accordance with the hazardous waste management standards under 40 CFR 265, Subpart I – Use and Management of Containers. Facilities should check with their state environmental agency for additional requirements or conditions affecting the terms of the exemption from RCRA permitting.