Aerospace Waste Solutions
Aviation and Aerospace Waste Disposal Specialists
Wastes Produced in The Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is full of potential hazards and it is important to understand the dangers associated with working in this field. Here are some of the top hazardous wastes created in aerospace:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are gases that are released from certain materials, including paints, solvents, and adhesives used for manufacturing components.
- Heavy metals: Lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury are all heavy metals that can cause serious health problems when inhaled or ingested. These metals can be found in automotive parts, aircraft engines, and various flight components.
- Toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): PAHs are a group of chemicals created by burning organic matter such as wood and fuel. They often become airborne during the use of jet engines and when burning waste products such as fuel oil or lead-containing paints.
- Crystalline silica dust: Silica dust is generated during the sanding and grinding operations commonly used to produce aircraft components. The dust can be breathed in by workers and may cause severe lung damage if inhaled over an extended period of time.
- Composite particles: Composite particles are created when residues from the production process coat tiny bits of metal and plastic particles which are then dispersed in the atmosphere by aircraft exhaust fumes or air conditioning systems on board aircraft carriers or other vessels.
Disposal of Hazardous Manufacturing Waste
Additionally, hazardous waste must be disposed of in a manner that ensures the safety of both the environment and personnel. There are several ways to properly dispose of these types of waste, including:
- Recycling: Many manufacturing wastes can be sustainably recycled or reused instead of being disposed of as hazardous waste. This helps to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills.
- Incineration: Some hazardous waste materials can be burned in an incinerator under specific temperature and ventilation conditions in order to reduce their toxicity levels before disposal.
- Chemical treatments: Chemical treatments can be used to neutralize certain types of hazardous manufacturing waste before it is sent for disposal.
- Landfill disposal: Landfilling is one option for disposing of some types of hazardous manufacturing wastes such as asbestos, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. However, it is important to only send non-recyclable materials to landfills because these materials may contaminate groundwater supplies if not contained properly.
- Exchange programs: Many manufacturers participate in exchange programs that allow them to trade in their unused or unwanted hazardous materials with other companies rather than disposing of them as waste.
Recycling Hazardous Waste
Incinerating Hazardous Waste
Chemical Treatment of Hazardous Waste
Disposing of Hazardous Waste in Landfills
Hazardous Waste Exchange Programs
Aviation and Aerospace Waste Disposal Regulation
Aviation and aerospace waste disposal also involve many regulations to ensure safe practices are always carried out. These rules are enforced by federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which oversees hazardous material regulations for air transportation purposes. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for issuing hazardous materials shipping regulations pertaining to air transportation.
Overall, aviation and aerospace waste disposal require special techniques and careful consideration of hazardous material regulations in order to be done safely and effectively. Proper hazardous waste disposal is essential in order to protect the environment and public health. Understanding all of these considerations is key when it comes to ensuring safe practices are carried out with regard to hazardous material transportation and disposal.