Understanding the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

April 1981

Toxic waste is a topic that we are all too familiar with. It is one of thooe ugly problems that we all wish we could resolve rather quickly. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are no easy answers to complying with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. It is most difficult and expensive for large companies to comply, let alone a small industry with small companies such as the PCM industry. Compliance is going to prove expensive. The larger companies, one way or another, will manage it. Many smaller companies may be forced out of business.

I believe that the toxic waste problem is the most significant problem and challenge that folces our organization and its members. Unfortunately, I have been disappointed at the reluctance of our members to discuss more openly the problem and tp share their experiences and solutions. On many occasions I have been met with blank stares when the topic of toxic waste was brought up. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We have all, at one time or another. disposed of wasle materials using methods that were acceptable in the past but are considered unacceptable today. Some PCM companies may still be able to dispose of concentrated spent etchants and rinse water containing metallic impurities as long as permision of the local sewer ordinance is obtained.

Richard Beaupre, Chemart Company