Many foundries are already involved in waste management and beneficial reuse programs in their respective states. These beneficial reuse programs promote the reuse of foundry by-products in lieu of landfill disposal. Beneficial reuse of such materials such as foundry sands and slags preserves landfill space, conserves natural resources, reduces CO2 emissions, strengthens local economies and saves money. Substantial savings may be derived from converting a hazardous waste stream into either a non-hazardous waste or a beneficial reuse material with a slight change to the process or raw materials used in the process.
AFS has a specific webpage for Beneficial Reuse (make sure to check it out).
A beneficial use program identifies appropriate alternative uses for foundry byproducts to replace or supplement a raw material or competing product (like roadway construction material, cover, mulch mixture, etc.).
Click the links below to view examples of case studies associated with this category. Remember, you can add your own case study with this form.
Case Studies:
- 2002-04 Green Sand as Road Base - Beneficial Use
- 2005-01 Foundry Sand Beneficial Reuse in Cement Manufacture
- 2005-03 Process Automation Improves Safety & Reduces Environmental Impact
- 2007-01 Non-hazardous Waste - Ferrous Melting Baghouse Media
- 2105-01 Centrifuge Upgrade Reduces Alcohol Consumption
- 2105-04 Rube Goldberg Dream Machine - Metal Reclamation
- 2205-01 Reclaim Spent Green Sand for Coremaking
- 2205-04 Goal Recycle or Beneficial Use of All Waste Streams