Winter 1992
Waste Minimization in the Etching Process
With the increasing costs and liabilities associated with waste
generation, it has become a necessity for industry to look more
closely at its process areas to identify ways in which waste
generation can be minimized. This paper will focus on
minimizing waste generation from etching processes in the
photochemical machining (PCM) and printed circuit board(PCB)
industries.
Waste Minimization refers to the reduction or elimination of
waste generation. Waste minimization can take the form ofsource
reduction, recycling/reuse, and some forms of alternative
treatment. Although the current focus of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is on hazardous waste
reduction, it is important to consider a multi-media approach to
waste minimization, including reduction of wastes to air, water,
and land.
Mabbett, Capaccio & Associates, Inc.
