How the circular economy can be implemented in the current recycling industry
Larry Burton
Temarry Recycling, USA
: Expert Opin Environ Biol
Abstract
The term Circular Economy is already very common in many European nations and is being introduced here in North America. A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design and aims to keep product, components and materi¬als at their highest utility and value at all times. As the name implies, a product is manufactured, consumed and then re-manufac¬tured instead of disposed of. The intent is to extend the original life and purpose of that product as well as the value of the natural resources used in its manufac¬ture. The objective of this presentation is to offer training and discussion on how the Circular Economy can be implemented in the current hazardous waste industry to achieve the highest level of sustainability. The potential life cycle of Acetone is a good example. The product is manufac-tured and sold to an auto body shop to be used for its solvent properties. Auto body shop uses the acetone to clean paint guns and flush lines. It becomes spent. Hazardous waste hauler picks it up and manifests it to a facility that has the ability to re-manufacture the spent acetone into a product that can be sold back into the market place to be used for those same solvent properties. For years the manufacturing community has sought out ways to reduce carbon foot print, eliminate landfill waste and improve sustainability. Often times, that comes at a higher manufacturing cost, if at all. By coupling together multiple technologies in a closed loop recycling system the objectives can be achieved, typically at a lower cost to the generator.
Biography
