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ENVIRONMENTAL

TECHNOLOGY

BEST PRACTICE

PROGRAMME

GG237GUIDE

WASTE MINIMISATIONIN THE LEATHER INDUSTRY

GOOD PRACTICE: Proven technology and techniques for profitable environmental improvement



© Crown copyright. First printed October 2000.

This material may be freely reproduced in its original form except for sale or advertising purposes.

Printed on paper containing a minimum of 75% post-consumer waste.

WASTE MINIMISATION

IN THE LEATHER INDUSTRY

This Good Practice Guide was produced by the

Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme

Prepared with assistance from:

Ashact Ltd

The British Leather Confederation (BLC)



Converting raw hides to finished product involves significant chemical and water usage and

generates a substantial amount of waste. This Guide seeks to encourage companies in the leatherindustry to minimise their waste, improving both their competitive position and their environmental

performance. Improvements can be made in almost every area of activity - chemical use, water use,

waste disposal, drying and packaging. Many of the suggested waste minimisation measures can be

implemented at little or no cost.

The first step in any waste minimisation programme is to assess what is currently happening on-site.

The Guide outlines a simple mass balance technique that will allow companies to gain a clear

understanding of process and water inputs, outputs and wastes throughout the site. Results from

this stage can then be incorporated into an initial waste review to identify opportunities for waste

minimisation. Blank forms are provided to help companies carry out a waste review more easily.

Chemical use in the leather industry is a major expense (it typically represents the second highest

operating cost after raw hides) and each chemical may have the potential to affect the environment.

The Guide lists opportunities to use alternative chemicals or processes, and suggests how to

minimise the existing use of chemicals without compromising the quality of the finished product or

the environment. Similarly, the Guide lists practical measures for reducing water use, minimising

process energy requirements and reducing the volume of liquid and solid wastes. Examples of cost

savings already achieved by tanneries are given throughout the Guide.

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 require obligated

tanneries to recover and recycle specified tonnages of packaging waste in line with EC targets.

Some simple ways to reduce obligations are covered in the Guide.

Finally, the Guide discusses implementing a waste management programme to encourage long-term

commitment to the principles of waste minimisation and suggests an Action Plan for getting started

on making savings.

SUMMARY



Section Page

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Why minimise waste? 1

1.2 The purpose of this Guide 2

1.3 The impact of current legislation 3

2 Understanding the processes 5

2.1 The mass balance approach 5

2.2 Understanding process inputs and outputs 7

2.3 Carrying out a waste review: basic techniques 9

2.4 Wastes checklist 14

3 Chemical use: opportunities for improvement 16

3.1 Alternative processes or materials 16

3.2 Minimising chemical use 18

4 Minimising water use 21

4.1 Assessing current water use 21

4.2 Water optimisation 22

4.3 Simple water-saving options 22

4.4 Water re-use and recycling 23

5 Minimising raw material use and reducing wastes for disposal 25

5.1 Liquid wastes 255.2 Solid wastes 25

5.3 Wastewater treatment and disposal: are you in control? 28

6 Optimising drying processes 29

7 Minimising energy wastage 31

7.1 Good housekeeping 31

7.2 Motors and drives 31

7.3 Compressed air 32

8 Packaging 33

8.1 Hides and skins 338.2 Chemical containers 33

8.3 Product packaging 34

9 Implementing a waste management programme 35

10 Action Plan 37

11 Sources of further information 38

12 Further reading 40

Appendix Blank forms 41

CONTENTS



The UK leather industry produces high quality leather, which satisfies a selective market and

competitive niche. However, tighter legislation, cheaper imported leather goods and an increase inthe cost of hides and skins are forcing tanneries to assess their processes, with a view to reducing

costs and negative environmental impacts while maintaining profits and leather quality.

1.1 WHY MINIMISE WASTE?

Waste costs money. Data from waste minimisation clubs and from recent waste management

initiatives reveal that waste costs the average UK manufacturing company 4% of business turnover.

Most companies can usually reduce waste by 25% through waste minimisation, achieving savings

equivalent to 1% of turnover. Reducing the amount of waste your company produces will increase

profits and give it a competitive edge. Each pound saved goes straight to the bottom line. Considerhow much product you need to make to cover the cost of waste. On a 10% nominal profit margin,

saving £100 in waste is equivalent to the profit from £1 000 of sales.

Waste is not just discarded solid materials. It also includes wasted time, loss of materials to air or

drain, and unnecessary or excessive use of chemicals, energy and water. Even efficient companies

produce waste. Every process in a company produces waste and is, therefore, a potential target for

waste minimisation.

Companies rarely add up how much waste is actually costing them and often perceive their waste

costs to be less than they really are. In a recent survey, ten companies estimated their waste at just

4% of the actual cost. Studies have shown that this gross underestimation is common in businesses

of any size. When working out your waste costs, don’t just consider disposal costs. While these

may be substantial, you need to consider the materials that are in the waste and the cost of

treatment, energy and wasted labour - the real cost of waste is often 5 - 20 times that of disposal.

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Waste minimisation is a systematic approach to minimising the production of waste at source.

A company can always reduce the amount of waste it produces. Bear in mind the waste hierarchy

(Fig 1) as a focus for considering your options. Minimising waste is usually best for the environment

and offers the best route to cost savings. Your company may also need to reduce waste to comply

with current legislation (see Section 1.3).

1.2 THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE

This Good Practice Guide has been produced to help companies in the leather industry to reduce

waste and, therefore, improve both their environmental performance and their competitive position.

Many options are available to enhance process raw material use and to minimise process wastes.

The Guide aims to raise awareness of these options and show tanneries how to save money by

adopting a range of practical initiatives, many of which involve good housekeeping or other no-cost

or low-cost measures.

While there are some processes and constituents of processes that are common to most tanneries,

the technology and methodology employed are both diverse and complex. Each waste minimisation

suggestion will need to be assessed to ensure its applicability and cost-effectiveness for your

particular operation. The Guide is divided into a number of sections to enable you to target areas

for improvement and take actions to produce quick, substantial savings right from the start.

Sections include:

s opportunities for improving chemical and water use;

s waste disposal;

s drying processes;

s mechanical processes;

s packaging.

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1

Fig 1 The waste hierarchy

1 2 3

45

Eliminate Reduce Re-use

RecycleDisposal

Material

Product

WASTE

ONLY



1.3 THE IMPACT OF CURRENT LEGISLATION

For some companies, legislative pressure is a key driver for addressing waste production. The effect

of stricter environmental legislation is to increase incentives for minimising waste. In addition, there

is more emphasis on tackling waste at source, rather than merely disposing carefully of generated

waste.

Much of the legislation governing the UK leather industry is found in various parts of the

Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990. Most UK tanneries are authorised under Part I of this act,

as ‘Part B processes’ subject to Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC) which regulates air emissions only.

LAPC is administered by Local Authorities in England and Wales, and by the Scottish Environment

Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland. For leather manufacturers in Northern Ireland, see the contact

details in Section 11.

Some companies that carry out leather coating where volatile organic compound (VOC) use is

greater than 5 tonnes/year have an LAPC authorisation for this activity.

Currently, no tanneries are authorised as ‘Part A processes’ under the Integrated Pollution Control

(IPC) provisions of Part I of EPA, which regulates emissions to air, land and water. The IPC provisionsare administered by the Environment Agency (EA) in England and Wales or SEPA in Scotland. For

advice about regulations in Northern Ireland, see the contact details in Section 11.

All tanneries have a duty to ensure that waste is only passed on to persons authorised to deal with

it. This comes from Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and is often called the Duty

of Care.

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive came into force at the end of

October 1999, and is now being implemented in the UK. For details on how this affects current and

future installations in tanneries in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, see the

appropriate contact details in Section 11. IPPC is designed to prevent, reduce and eliminate

pollution at source. It goes further than IPC, by including for the first time:

s noise and vibration, energy efficiency, environmental accidents and site protection;

s the pollution impact of an activity or plant, by assessing the best environmental way of doing

the job;

s a wider variety of installations including some tanneries.

The legislation will initially apply only to new installations and to substantial modifications to existing

processes, but by 2008 it will be applied to all installations.

Tanneries which produce more than 12 tonnes per day of finished product will be classed as Part

A2 processes and subject to full IPPC regulation. Other tanneries will be subject to a modified formof LAPC regulation.

The Landfill Directive (Council Directive 1999/31/EC) came into force in the EU in July 1999 with the

aim of reducing the amount of biodegradable waste disposed of to landfill sites. The UK currently

disposes of over 85% of municipal waste by this route, some 29 million tonnes in 1995. Of this

waste, 60% was biodegradable (ie 17.4 million tonnes). By 2006, the Directive aims to reduce the

amount of biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill in the UK to 13.05 million tonnes (ie

75% of the total amount (by weight) disposed of by this route in 1995). To meet this target, the

1999 UK Government Budget outlined plans to increase the rate of landfill tax by an additional

£1/tonne per year, bringing the standard rate tax (for active waste) to £15/tonne by 2004. This

sends a strong signal to companies to reduce their dependence on landfilling. Alternatives to landfillinclude recovering, recycling and composting of waste.

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As tannery wastes are not classified as municipal wastes, they are not subject to this specific target.

However, the Landfill Directive also places a duty on the UK to take measures to reduce the total

quantity of all biodegradable waste disposed of to landfill. This includes some tannery wastes, such

as fleshings.

From April 2001, the Government proposes to introduce a climate change levy. It is likely that

tannery energy bills will increase as a result of the levy. The levy will be charged on industrial and

commercial use of energy and covers primary and secondary fuel used for the purposes of lighting,

heating, motive power and power of appliances. Primary fuel is defined as that obtained directly

from natural sources such as coal and natural gas; secondary fuel is defined as that derived from

primary sources of energy, such as electricity generated by burning coal, gas/oil and coke.

As a direct result of the outbreak in the UK of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the leather

industry has been limited in the options available for disposing of domestic bovine by-products of

an untanned nature. No such material may currently go into food, feed, cosmetics or

pharmaceuticals, and untanned by-products of controlled hides (from animals kept out of the food

chain) must be disposed of by incineration through authorised channels, even if rendered into

protein solids and tallow.

Packaging waste regulations apply to companies (or groups of companies) with an annual turnover

of £2 million which ‘process’ at least 50 tonnes of packaging materials a year (The Producer

Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 1999). Consequently,

companies that fall into this category are obliged to be responsible for the recovery and recycling of

a quantity of packaging waste proportionate to the quantity of packaging that they handle.

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Free advice about the legislation governing your operation is available through the

Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.



Proven waste minimisation schemes have demonstrated that significant cost savings can be achieved

with little or no investment, simply by improving housekeeping and operating practices. In mostcases, understanding the material flows through a process is key to achieving cost savings. There

are three guiding principles for waste minimisation initiatives:

Unless you fully understand what is involved with each process, you will not be able to control inputs

and outputs.

2.1 THE MASS BALANCE APPROACH

Before you start your waste minimisation initiatives, it helps if you have a clear understanding of

each process in terms of inputs and outputs. One way of achieving this is to carry out a mass

balance assessment.

A mass balance assessment is based on the simple principle that the total mass of material going into

the process should equal the total mass going out, ie Input – Losses = Output. Example inputs include

raw materials, packaging (eg pallets, plastic drums and containers, polythene, sacking and

cardboard), consumables (eg gloves, aprons and ear defenders) and utilities or services serving each

process (eg water, energy, steam, cooling water and compressed air). Example losses include waste

materials, air emissions and waste generated by the utilities or services. Output is the final product(s).

It is best to start by looking at your company as a whole, breaking down the site into a series of

blocks, with each block representing a process, activity or location with inputs and outputs. Look

at inputs and outputs over a period of time, say a year. The longer the period, the smaller will be

the impact of production variations on the assessment. Gather data from utility bills, production

records, waste disposal records, etc. Choose a common unit of mass to measure all inputs and

outputs (eg tonnes or kg).

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2s put in only what is necessary - reduce raw material costs and reduce the volume and

strength of the effluent;

s get the most out of what you put in - improve process efficiency;

s make the most of any waste - re-use or recycle waste streams and reduce disposal

costs.

U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E P R O C E S S E S2

INFORMATION MAY BE

AVAILABLE ON-SITE



For some processes the mass balance may be very detailed. Presenting the mass balance as a diagram

(Fig 2) makes it easy to understand and use as a management tool. By generating a mass balance for

each part of a process you can be sure that you have identified all of your waste streams and you will

know where to direct your efforts to maximise savings. Video (V217) A Fresh Pair of Eyes: Identifying

Waste Minimisation Opportunities, available through the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800

585794, provides practical help and can be shown to operators to get them started.

2.1.1 Tracking water use

It is a good idea to treat water inputs and outputs as a separate issue, forming a water balance. A

water balance is a numerical account of where water enters and leaves your business, and where it

is used within the business. If you find that your actual water consumption and production of

wastewater (based on meter readings and water and effluent bills) is greater than your theoretical

values (based on calculations), it may indicate a leak or unknown water use somewhere on-site.

Leaks from taps and pipes are common and avoidable. Hidden overflow pipes or unattended hoses

can also contribute to excessive or unnecessary use of water.

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Fig 2 The mass balance approach - overall assessment

Raw materialsPackagingConsumables‘Utilities or services’:Water, energy, etc

Product

Air emissions Energy

Solid and liquid Trade effluent

WASTE

INPUTS OUTPUTS

WASTE

TANNERY PROCESS



Information on how to set up a water balance and some examples of cost-effective water saving

opportunities are outlined in Good Practice Guides (GG152) Tracking Water Use to Cut Costs and

(GG67) Cost-effective Water Saving Devices and Practices, available free of charge through the


2.2 UNDERSTANDING PROCESS INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

Each process in a tannery has inputs in terms of water, raw materials and energy. To manage your

processes effectively, you need to understand how much of each ‘input’ is used at each processing

step. Similarly, each tannery process has outputs, including products, solid wastes, waste heat,

wastewater and air emissions. Again, to manage your processes effectively, you need to understand

the rates of each ‘output’.

Following the same approach used to create a site mass balance, group processes according to

operation, activity or location. Flow diagrams outlining typical process inputs and waste outputs in

beamhouse and post-tanning operations are shown in Figs 3 and 4. These diagrams are not

exhaustive and are intended to provide an overview only; actual process inputs and waste outputs

will vary greatly between tanneries.

More information on constructing a flow diagram can be found in Good Practice Guide (GG38C)

Cutting Costs by Reducing Waste: A self-help guide for growing businesses and (WMIT) Waste

Minimisation Interactive Tools (IT96), available free of charge through the Environment and Energy

Helpline on 0800 585794.

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Many processes in the leather industry absorb raw materials and other valuable

resources, such as heat and energy. There are a large number of processes on an

individual site, for example:

s rinsing in water;

s physical and chemical processes for the removal of unwanted natural materials, such as

hair and flesh (eg fleshing and liming);

s application of chemicals for preservation or to change physical characteristics, such as

pickling, tanning, dyeing and fat-liquoring;

s mechanical processes to adjust the physical dimensions of hides and skins, such as

trimming, splitting, staking and shaving;

s processes to remove water at various process stages, such as sammying and drying;

s surface finishing processes, such as embossing, buffing or the application of coatings

containing lacquers or pigments.



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Fig 4 Examples of process inputs and waste outputs for post-tanning operations

Tanning

Fat-liquoring

Drying

Shaving/trimming

Dyeing

Drying

Finishing

ProcessInputs

Fat liquorsHot water

Mechanical

Mechanical

DyesHot water

Mechanical

Mechanical

Excess fat liquors

Heat

Heat

Tanned

shavings/trimmings

Excess dye

Dust

Outputs

Post-tanning operations

Key:LiquidSolidEnergyGasProduct

Solvents, water-basedfinishing products

Excess solvents, water-basedfinishing products

Fig 3 Examples of process inputs and waste outputs for beamhouse operations

Salted stock

Soaking

Green fleshing*

Liming/unhairing

Lime fleshing

Deliming/bating

Pickling

Tanning

ProcessInputs

Wet-salted hide/skin

Water, wetting agents,

bactericide/fungicide

Mechanical

Lime, sodium sulphideWater

Mechanical

Ammonium salt, sodiummetabisulphite, bateWater

SaltWater, sulphuric acid

Tans†, sodium formate,sodium bicarbonateHot water

Dirt-laden, saline

liquors

Green fleshings

Hydrogen sulphideExcess lime, sodium sulphide,hair, alkaline water

Lime fleshings

Ammonia

Excess salt, acid water

Excess tans,acid water

Outputs

Beamhouse operations

Key:LiquidSolidEnergyGasProduct

* Where appropriate† Such as chrome

sulphate, vegetabletans, syntans



2.3 CARRYING OUT A WASTE REVIEW: BASIC TECHNIQUES

2.3.1 Compile an inventory of processes

Once you have prepared flow diagrams, such as those presented in Figs 3 and 4, for your site

operations, you can compile an inventory of each of the site processes, listing the process name and

a brief description. It may be helpful to assign a number to each specific process, so that it can be

clearly referenced in all waste minimisation paperwork. The numbering could indicate the building

or area of the site where the process occurred, or be grouped to indicate wet and dry processes.

Don’t confine the inventory to those processes that lead directly to products. Remember to include

support activities, such as warehousing, vehicle fleet operations, canteen facilities, toilets and

laboratories, to build a complete company picture. The inventory provides a checklist of activities

which will need to be studied in greater detail to identify waste minimisation opportunities.

Fig 5 shows an example inventory for a typical tannery. A blank form that you can copy and fill in

to document your processes is contained in the Appendix.

2.3.2 Map each process

Once the inventory of processes is complete, you need to focus in detail on the inputs and outputs

of each individual process. Consider each process in turn, and make sure that you include

everything associated with the process, not just those inputs, outputs and wastes that you consider

the most important or the most expensive to buy or dispose of. Section 2.4 lists possible wastes foreach department or service at a tannery, to help you identify all your waste streams. Use the

information to create a process map. Fig 6 shows a possible process map for liming/unhairing,

which appeared in the beamhouse operations flow diagram (Fig 3).

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Fig 5 Example inventory of processes

INVENTORY OF PROCESSES

Site name: Anytown

Assigned process number

Page: 1 of 1

Any description

North shed Process A

North shed Process B

South shed Process C

South shed Process D

South shed Process E

South shed Process F

Process name

Unhairing

Fleshing

Trimming

Splitting

Chrome tanning

Sammying



Working from each process map, prepare lists (you can also number these if it is helpful) of all the

inputs, products generated and other outputs associated with a particular process. Record on these

lists why the inputs (such as energy or materials) are made and what happens to all outputs (suchas solid waste disposal routes). Figs 7, 8 and 9 show example lists for three individual processes in

a typical tannery. Blank forms that you can copy and fill in to document your processes are

contained in the Appendix.

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Fig 6 Example of process map: liming/unhairing

Salted stock

Soaking

Green fleshing

Liming/unhairing

Lime fleshing

Deliming/bating

Pickling

Tanning

ProcessInputs

LimeSodium sulphideWaterElectrical powerLabourMaintenanceetc

WastewaterProcess solid wasteWaste packagingWaste heatGas/vapour emissionsetc

Outputs(products and wastes)

Beamhouse operations

Fig 7 Example inventory of inputs for a chrome tanning process

INVENTORY OF INPUTS

Process name: Chrome tanning

Process number: South shed Process E

Input name Input use

Page: 1 of 1

Bicarbonate ... % by weight per skin

Chrome salts ... % by weight per skin

Electricity ... kWh per skin



Use the inventories of inputs, outputs and wastes to calculate the costs of raw materials, water,

energy and generated wastes associated with each process stage on, say, an annual basis. Once you

have assigned a cost to each item, you can rank them in order of importance for waste minimisation

initiatives, ie those with the highest associated costs or highest use are worth targeting first.

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Fig 8 Example inventory of product outputs for a splitting process

INVENTORY OF OUTPUTS (PRODUCTS)

Process name: Splitting

Process number: Process D

Product name Product use

Page: 1 of 1

Butt (Import) Foodstuff

Grain Feed for chrome tanning (Process E)

Fig 9 Example inventory of wastes and emissions outputs for a splitting process

INVENTORY OF OUTPUTS (WASTES AND EMISSIONS)

Process name: Splitting

Process number: Process D

Output name Output fate

Page: 1 of 1

Butt (UK) Sometown Waste Disposal Ltd

Excess Butt (Import) Sometown Waste Disposal Ltd



Fig 10 shows an example inputs and wastes summary for a first soak process. A blank form that

you can copy and fill in for each particular process or site area is contained in the Appendix.

Once you have generated inputs and wastes summaries for each process or site, collate all the

information relating to major items to give you an idea of what your current level of waste is costing.

The total cost should provide an incentive for taking action to minimise waste and should allow you

to set targets. Fig 11 shows an example site waste costs summary. A blank form that you can copy

and fill in for your site is contained in the Appendix.

In the case of water, it is important to understand how much water is purchased (and for what

purposes) and how much is disposed of (and by which routes). The unit cost for water will vary

depending on the original source (eg towns water or borehole) and the extent of treatment, if any,

required on-site. Similarly, the disposal cost for a given volume of effluent will depend on various

factors, including the ultimate disposal route and the nature and extent of contamination. You may,therefore, find that you can reduce water costs by reducing water use or by avoiding or reducing the

presence of particular contaminants in effluent.

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Fig 10 Example inputs and wastes summary for a first soak process

INPUTS AND WASTES SUMMARY

Organisation:

Prepared by:

Inputs and wastes Annualquantity

Units

Process nameand number:

AN Other Leather Co

A Manager

N/A

Initial soak

Rinse

Floor hosing

Paddle

Trade effluent

4400

8800

66

5280

13266

m3/year

m3/year

m3/year

kWh/year

m3/year

2

1

3

–

–

2970

5940

45

370

6633

3

2

5

4

1

SplittingSouth shed Process D

Input/output

Rank(by quantity)

Cost(£/year)

Rank(by cost)

Raw materials

Water

Energy

Wastes/emissions

Review your waste costs regularly. Generating new calculation and

summary tables will provide the necessary information for continuous

improvement; when the more costly wastes have been tackled, other

waste streams will move up the ‘rankings’.



2.3.3 True costs of waste product and waste streams

If you calculate the cost of carrying out each process in £/m2 of hide, you can compare the cost of

each process. This will reveal the most expensive stages of processing. It also demonstrates that

the cost of wasting hide or skin is greater after several process steps (as shown in Fig 12).

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Fig 11 Example site waste costs summary

SITE WASTE COSTS SUMMARY

Item Usage(units)

Units cost(£/unit)

Totalcost (£)

Waste(%)

Wasteamount(units)

Cost ofwaste

(£)

Raw materials

Packaging

Utilities

Pallets

Electricity

Gas

Water

100 000 0.65

50 000 0.09

65 000 60 60 000 39 000

4 500 70 35 000 3 150

150 000 1.40 210 000 100 150 000 210 000

Towns

water

Borehole

water

Effluent

Total



2.4 WASTES CHECKLIST

While every workplace is unique, the following checklist contains waste streams common to many

businesses involved in leather processing. It is designed as a ‘memory-jogger’, to help you to identify

all the waste streams on your site to be listed in the process output inventories.

WASTE MINIMISATION OPPORTUNITY CHECKLIST

Department/service Area Possible waste

Incoming materials Loading docks, pipelines, Packaging/containers

receiving areas Off-specification deliveries

Damaged containers

Spill residue

Cleaning rags, etc

Pallets (non-returnable)

Gloves, overalls, etc

Storage (raw materials, Tanks, silos, warehouses, Tank bottoms

parts, final products) drum storage, yards, Off-specification materials

storerooms Damaged containers

Empty containers

Leaks from pumps/valves/pipes

Out-of-date materials

No-longer-used materials

Damaged products

Production Salting, soaking, fleshing, Wash water

liming, unhairing, pickling, Solvents evaporating

tanning, fat-liquoring, drying, Off-specification products

shaving, trimming, dyeing, Dyes

finishing Empty containers

Sweepings

Ductwork clearout

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Fig 12 Example impact on hide value of typical beamhouse processes

COST OF WASTE

Basis: 4 m2/hide

Process name Cost of producing1 m2 of hide by the

process (£)

Value of 1 m2 of hideafter process

(cumulative total) (£)

Soaking 0.08 0.08

Fleshing 0.05 0.13

Liming/unhairing 0.5 0.63

Deliming/bating 0.1 0.73

Pickling 0.2 0.93

Tanning 0.5 1.43



WASTE MINIMISATION OPPORTUNITY CHECKLIST (continued)

Department/service Area Possible waste

Production (continued) Additives

Oil

Process solution dumps

Rinse water

Excess materials

Fleshings

Hair

Leaks from tanks/pipes/valves

Spill residue

Trimmings

Shavings

Dust

Packaging of dispatched goods

Energy Buildings, processes, boiler High temperatures

plant and plant distribution system Lights left on

Taps left running

Doors left open

Air leaks from compressor lines

Heat loss through roof/doors/windows

High tariffs for electricity, gas and

water

Lamps beyond economic life

Poorly controlled or inefficient

heating/hot water systems

Electric motors over five years oldProcess heat not re-used

Water Processes, toilets, kitchens Urinals flushing continually

Underground leaks

Taps left running

Wasteful wash-downs

Support services Laboratories, maintenance shops, Chemicals

garages, offices Samples and containers

Solvents

Cleaning agents

Lubricating oils and greasesScrap metal, wood

Caustics

Filters

Acids

Batteries

Office paper, etc

Other Consumables Detergents

Overalls

Gloves

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Chemical use in the leather industry is essential for leather processing and generating a product of

the required quality. It is, however, expensive (it typically represents the second highest operatingcost after raw hides) and each chemical may have the potential to affect the environment.

Consequently, optimising chemical use offers considerable scope to make substantial savings and to

reduce environmental impact, often without the need for large investment. Opportunities exist to

use alternative chemicals or processes, or to minimise the existing use of chemicals, thereby

minimising waste and increasing profits without compromising the quality of the finished product or

the environment.

3.1 ALTERNATIVE PROCESSES OR MATERIALS

New developments in the chemicals and processes used in the leather industry offer the chance toincrease yield and maintain or improve quality, while at the same time minimising by-products and

waste. Using alternatives can make a significant contribution to cleaner processing and increase

profits.

ALTERNATIVE PROCESSES OR MATERIALS

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C H E M I C A L U S E : O P P O RT U N I T I E S

F O R I M P R O V E M E N T

3

Process Reasons to change Alternatives Considerations

Preservation of

hides and skins:

Salting

Unhairing

Increasing costs for purchase

and disposal of effluent.

More stringent consent

limits on chloride levels in

effluent.

Contributes substantial

proportion of total effluent

load (typically 55% chemical

oxygen demand (COD),

55% suspended solids, 70%

biochemical oxygen demand

(BOD) and 40% nitrogen).

Dry methods, eg drag

salting where stock is

processed quickly.

Biocide sprays or potassium

chloride.

Chilling for short-term

(3 - 21 days) preservation.

Using other sources of

‘coolth’ available locally, eg

carbon dioxide and liquid

nitrogen.

Flo-ice (ice crystals in solution

of brine, alcohol or sugar) for

rapid cooling.

Biocide ice for longer-term

preservation (greater thanthree weeks).

Freezing.

Enzymes1 (alkaline proteases)

in conjunction with reduced

sulphide loads. This approach

can significantly reduce the

liming time. Hair removed

intact from follicle can be

removed by coarse screening,

reducing BOD and suspended

solids in wastewater.

Product quality

implications.

Any changes to

health and safety

measures.

Environmental

impact.

Importation

restrictions.

Any additional costs.

Disposal costs of solid

waste - limited

market for hair-save

products, such as

fertilisers.



ALTERNATIVE PROCESSES OR MATERIALS (continued)

17

section

3

Process Reasons to change Alternatives Considerations

Pickling

Degreasing

(sheepskin

only)

Tanning

Finishing

Method and chemicals used

can enhance effectiveness of

subsequent processes. Acid

type and salt use should

optimise chrome uptake and

ensure correct product

characteristics. Poor

optimisation will lead to

excessive use of tans.

Conventional degreasing

methods often use volatile

organic compounds (VOCs)

or environmentally-unacceptable surfactants.

Organic solvents may result

in VOC emissions to air or

wastewater. Water-based

degreasers may impact on

solid or liquid wastes.

For chrome tanning

operations, to reduce

excessive levels of chromium

salts in wastewater. For all

tannage types, to minimise

environmental impact.

High use of solvents in

coatings and colourings.

Heavy metal in pigments,

adding to effluent treatment

costs. In spraying

operations, to reduce

wasted finish.

Organic acids (instead of

mineral acids). These offer

the opportunity to exclude

salt from pickling recipes.

A pre-tanning agent

following salt-free pickling (as

in the commercial production

of ‘wet-white’). This may

enable splitting and shaving

to be carried out before

tanning, reducing tan

consumption.

Enzymes1 (alkaline stable and

acid acting lipases, or alkaline

stable proteases). These

enzymes reduce the amountof surfactant required and

reduce VOC emissions. May

also result in more uniform

grease removal and improved

dye uptake.

Synthetic tans as an

alternative to chrome tanning.

These may reduce wastewater

disposal costs while

maintaining product quality

and characteristics.Other mineral tans as

an alternative to chrome

tanning.

Water-based finishing

systems.

Heavy metal free pigments.

Roller coating (for pigments,

oils/waxes and topcoats),

screen-printing and foam

finishings in place of spraying,

to reduce wasted finish.

High volume/low pressure

spray gun systems. These

will reduce coating ‘bounce

back’, increasing the transfer

efficiency.

Product

characteristics.

Any additional costs.

Surfactants may

inhibit lipase action.

Product

characteristics.

Thermal stability.

Potential toxicity of

alternatives.

Trialling of

alternatives is needed

to ensure that

product quality and

characteristics are

maintained.

1 Further free information on biotechnology options in leather processing is available through the BIO-WISE Helpline on

0800 432100.



18

3.2 MINIMISING CHEMICAL USE

There are two possible approaches to minimising chemical use:

s waste reduction at source;

s wastewater (end-of-pipe) treatment.

The first approach is more cost-effective than the second.

Minimising waste at source involves optimising the quantity of chemical used for each process, by

examining chemical concentration, drum floats and chemical uptake. It can result in significant

savings in terms of the cost of the chemicals themselves and the cost of disposing of wastewater

laden with excess chemicals.

End-of-pipe options involve treating the wastewater that is generated from a process and, where

possible, recovering and recycling chemicals and water from the various waste streams. This may

result in the generation of lower volumes of wastewater, which in turn may have a lower COD and

suspended solids content. In most cases in the UK, trade effluent discharge-to-sewer charges are

based on a formula which charges on the basis of volume and strength of effluent. Consequently,this approach represents a two-fold saving.

There are opportunities to minimise chemical use at each stage of the process, often involving

minimal investment. Outlined below are some practical suggestions and tips on ways to improve

your current practices, with Industry Examples showing how companies in the leather industry are

already benefiting by taking action.

3.2.1 Good housekeeping

Minor changes to your housekeeping practices may enable you to minimise chemical use without

compromising the quality of the leather produced and without the need for large investments.

s Keep all chemicals in a designated storage area. If any are removed from storage, keep a

record of their whereabouts.

s Maximise shelf-life by storing chemicals according to the instructions, eg away from water,

heat or light. Sensitivity to frost can also be an issue for some chemicals (eg emulsifiers).

s Buy chemicals in quantities that reflect your process needs. Where appropriate, buy in bulk

to minimise costs.

s Rotate stock - operate a ‘first-in-first-out’ policy to eliminate the need to dispose of out-of-

date containers through ‘special waste’ routes. Label containers clearly with the date of

purchase and highlight the expiry date.

s For each chemical, open only one container at a time. Replace the lid or reseal the bag after

use to prevent unnecessary spillage and to prevent dry chemicals caking.

s Try to empty containers completely. Any residual chemical classifies the container as ‘special

waste’ for disposal purposes.

section

3

The cost and environmental benefits of reducing raw material use and suggested actions are

discussed in Good Practice Guide (GG25) Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Raw

Material Use, available through the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.

A leather manufacturer took steps to ensure that ‘empty’ cans were checked to make sure that

they were really fully drained. This resulted in substantial savings in chemical costs and landfill tax.



s If a process requires a mixture of chemicals, make up only small quantities as and when

required, especially when individual components have a limited storage time. Chemical

mixtures may have different storage requirements compared to the chemical constituents.

s Weigh out chemicals accurately, rather than adding ‘a little bit more, just to make sure’.

Avoid using excess chemical just to empty a container.

3.2.2 Process throughput and managementTo optimise chemical use, you need to understand the purpose of each process step, the rationale

behind the choice of chemicals used and the effect of parameters, such as temperature, pH and salt,

on chemical uptake and/or process efficiency. In addition, you need to identify which factors dictate

process efficiency, so that they can be measured, monitored and, where necessary, optimised.

s Where necessary, document the purpose of each process step, optimum chemical levels and

process parameters.

s Make sure that processes are carried out in the correct order to minimise chemical use.

TIP Carry out trimming at the earliest opportunity to avoid disposing of tanning and dyeing

chemicals in solid waste consignments.

s Control chemical additions, in line with process throughput.

s Measure chemical consumption, to identify excessive or unnecessary use. It may help to

measure and monitor the chemical content of the wastewater, to determine excessive use.

3.2.3 Salt use

Increasingly stringent consent limits on chloride levels in effluent make minimising salt use a priority

area for many tanneries. By reducing the amount of salt used, you can minimise the cost of the raw

material and reduce effluent costs.

s Monitor salt use. Ensure that no excess salt is used in the pickling process.

s Investigate if you can reduce the amount of salt used in pickling without affecting productquality.

TIP Whenever possible, re-use pickling liquors for the following batch of hides/skins (topping up

salt and acid concentrations as necessary).

3.2.4 Liming/unhairing liquors

Liming/unhairing liquors constitute a large proportion of the total effluent load. By reducing the

amount of lime and sulphide used, you can minimise the cost of raw materials and reduce effluent

costs. In addition, the volume of wastewater will be reduced without increasing the concentration

of the chemical components.

TIP Whenever possible, re-use liming/unhairing liquors for the following batch of hides/skins(topping up lime and sulphide concentrations as necessary).

3.2.5 Deliming/bating

You may be able to make savings by optimising your existing processes.

s Monitor chemical use to make sure that you are not using more than you need. The

buffering nature of ammonium salts means that excess amounts could be added without

detriment to product quality.

s Optimise the number of float changes used for deliming.

19

section

3



s Set the process parameters, such as pH, temperature, and enzyme concentrations, to optimise

the effects of the bating process.

s Where carbon dioxide is used for deliming, consider the most effective means of contacting

the gas with the ‘float’; injection into a recirculating flow of liquor via a Venturi may be more

effective than simply adding gas to the headspace of a drum through the gudgeon.

3.2.6 TanningIf you use chrome tanning, you need to minimise levels of chromium salts in the wastewater, to

minimise environmental impact and waste disposal costs. If chrome uptake can be improved, the

quantity of chrome used can be reduced and the concentration in the wastewater will be lower,

resulting in lower effluent costs.

s Measure chrome uptake and also measure and monitor the chrome content of the

wastewater, to identify excessive use.

s Control chrome use in line with skin weights.

s Maximise chrome uptake by adjusting process parameters such as pH, temperature, reaction

time, chromium concentration and ligands use to enhance process effectiveness (‘masking’).

s Consider using supplementary materials, such as pre-tanning agents, chrome complexing

agents and catalysts, or modify operations, such as extending liming times, to enhance

chrome uptake. (Chrome complexing agents aid the formation of chrome-collagen complex

and may increase process efficiency.)

3.2.7 Finishing

Finishing processes offer several opportunities to reduce chemical use.

s Examine your finishing processes and work out the true costs of your coating and colourings,

including disposal of generated effluents, residues and waste packaging.

s Wherever possible, adapt your processes to optimise the amount of chemical used. Forexample, install photoelectric spray economiser controllers (‘magic eye’ sensors) to existing

machinery to minimise overspray of dyes and other finishing materials. Consider using roller

coating instead of spray coating to minimise overspray.

s Wherever possible, recover and re-use overspray.

20

section

3

Changing a rotary spraying system on one of its finishing machines to a conventional spray gun

and economiser unit helped one tannery to reduce waste spray from 40 - 60% to 20 - 40%.

The new system cost £4 000. With raw material costs at an average £1.50/kg, the company

realised chemical cost savings in excess of £550/week or £27 000/year, giving a simple payback

period of under two months.

One tannery collects solvent overspray from the gutters on its spray machines. All waste solvents

are mixed and processed using a small on-site solvent recycling machine (purchase cost £3 268),

currently operating at 250 litres/week with an 80% recovery. The resultant solvent is low-grade

and can only be used to clean machinery. However, this has eliminated the need to purchase

acetone to clean the machinery (£9 000/year), representing a simple payback period of under

five months. Solvent recovery has also resulted in further substantial savings by eliminating the

need to dispose of the overspray waste.



Water can constitute a large proportion of a company’s waste. Water costs are rising, yet it is

relatively simple to save water. Companies that have not implemented any water-saving measurescan often reduce water-related costs by up to 50%. Companies that have implemented some

water-saving measures without adopting a systematic approach to water reduction can typically

reduce their water-related costs by around 20%.

Reducing water consumption results in a reduction of effluent production, realising savings in both

water supply and effluent disposal. Producing less wastewater and/or re-using or reclaiming

components of wastewater also reduce the risk of polluting the environment, which has many

benefits including avoiding the risk of prosecution.

4.1 ASSESSING CURRENT WATER USE

1. Carry out a water survey to find out the origins of the water used on-site. You may use mains

supply, groundwater abstraction (pumped from a borehole), surface water abstraction

(pumped from a river/lake) or collected rainwater.

2. Find out how much water is used and for what purposes. Walk around the site at different

times to see where the water is used. If shift work is practised, make sure you look at eachshift, and also check water use during periods of non-production. For example, machinery

may be switched off but the cooling water system or water used to raise a vacuum may have

been left on. Try to identify whether all the water use is necessary and whether the best

option is being used, eg equipment may not need cooling water.

3. Find out where the water goes. There are usually three drainage systems on sites - effluent

drains, surface water drains and foul sewers. Make sure that waste is disposed of through

the correct drainage route. For example, does rainwater run off drains into the sewer, to be

subsequently paid for as effluent?

4. Calculate the cost of water used in processing. Remember to include direct costs (supply of

water and effluent treatment) and indirect costs (such as maintenance, pumping, heating andcooling).

21

section

4Some ways in which water use can be reduced are described in Good Practice Guide (GG26)

Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Reducing Water Use, available through the


Information on how to set up a water balance, procedures used to identify leaks and

opportunities to reduce water use are given in the Good Practice Guides (GG152) Tracking

Water Use to Cut Costs and (GG67) Cost-effective Water Saving Devices and Practices.

M I N I M I S I N G W AT E R U S E4



4.2 WATER OPTIMISATION

When you look at your water use and wastewater production, remember the three guiding

principles of waste minimisation outlined at the start of Section 2.

s Investigate and optimise the quantities and qualities of water that are used in the process. For

example, if feasible, use smaller drums to process smaller batch sizes.

s Only use water where necessary. For example:

- remove salt solids by mechanical means, such as brushing, in addition to, or in place of,

soaking in water;

- monitor water use when hides or skins are first rinsed of salt or acid preservatives, to

produce guidelines for when rinsing is complete;

- control and measure the quantity of water used per unit weight of skin;

- where a bath of water is used, rinse the maximum number of skins per filling.

s Carry out processes in the correct order to minimise water use. For example, trim at the

earliest opportunity to avoid using water to process a part of the hide/skin which will

subsequently be disposed of as solid waste.

s Reduce water use to the practical minimum in batch ‘recipes’ for tanning and dyeing

processes. The strength of materials and conditions (such as temperature and pH) may be

critical for process effectiveness.

s Make sure that you use the most effective process. Continuous, uncontrolled rinsing through

processing drums after wet processes can lead to high water wastage. Examine whether a

number of batch rinses might achieve similar product quality results while using less water.

4.3 SIMPLE WATER-SAVING OPTIONS

While every business will be different, there are many water-saving options that are applicable tomost businesses.

s Check for excessive or unnecessary water use. For example, taps and hoses can be left on

and forgotten.

TIP Fitting a nozzle to a hose is cheap and easy to do. Having a trigger grip will ensure that water

is switched off when the hose is not in use.

s Use your water survey to detect all water use and pinpoint unidentified or cross connections,

broken valves, incorrectly set valves or control systems and leaks to maximise savings. Leaks

underground are often hard to detect, but areas of lush vegetation may indicate a leak.

Check all taps and visible pipes for leaks, especially in areas where no water usage data are

available. Remove any unused equipment which might cause leaks, eg unused hoses.

s Eliminate overflow. Most overflows run to drain without being measured, with many

overflow pipes hidden. Improvements in water management, such as repairing faulty control

valves and installing shut-off valves, should significantly reduce the problems.

22

section

4

A tannery carried out a water survey and found a hose pipe that could not be switched off

(consuming around 500 m3 water/year), a faulty valve on the chrome drum and leaks in areas

where drums and associated pipework had been disconnected. Fixing leaks and replacing faulty

valves resulted in estimated water and effluent savings in the range £1 000 - £1 600/year.



s Consider installing additional water meters to monitor water consumption of specific

machines, processes or areas of the site. They may help to locate leaks or identify the source

of unknown water usage. The benefits of additional meters are outlined in Environmental

Performance Guide (EG98) Water Use in Textile Dyeing and Finishing available through the


s Use water efficiently. A piece of equipment can be efficient, but its allocated use may

not be.

s Use brushes/squeegees/scrapers to remove solids from areas before they start to dry out,

minimising or often eliminating the need for wash water. Using a hose to clean floors and

surfaces may consume a large volume of water, especially if the hose is left unattended or

forgotten. Caked-on dirt can take longer to remove and can pose corrosion problems if the

slurry has a high salt, acid or alkali content.

4.4 WATER RE-USE AND RECYCLING

Within the constraints of product quality and health and safety considerations, there are several

tannery operations in which re-use or recycling of water might be worth considering.

s Re-use relatively clean water from rinsing of previous batches of hides or skins for subsequent

batches.

s Re-use final rinse waters as a first rinse. Rinse water can often be more effectively used by

rinsing a product in a series of tanks or stages. For example, in countercurrent rinsing theproduct is initially rinsed in dirty water and then in progressively cleaner water. Concurrently,

the rinse water moves progressively from the last rinse towards the first rinse (Fig 13).

23

section

4

If a hose is turned on for two hours a day (flow rate 1 m3 /hour), 360 days a year - regardless of

use - this can result in costs of £1 116/year in water and effluent charges (at £1.55p/m3, UK

1999 prices). However, if the hose need be on for only 20 minutes a day, this would save

£930/year in water and effluent costs. Similarly, if the hose needs to be on for two hours a day,

but only five days a week, this saves £310/year in water and effluent costs.

W A T E R B I L L

Remember OUT OF SIGHT may mean

OUT OF MIND but it will leave you

OUT OF POCKET



s Use rinse waters for other duties, such as floor washing, raising a vacuum or making batches

of chemicals for subsequent chemical treatments, if compatible.s Recycle chemicals from wastewater. For example, it may prove viable to recover chromium

from spent tanning liquors by precipitation and redissolving.

24

Fig 13 The principle of countercurrent rinsing

RinseA

RinseB

RinseC

RinseD

Freshwatersupply

Work

Countercurrent rinsingsection

4

Examples of countercurrent rinsing are outlined in Good Practice Guides (GG160) Minimising

Chemical and Water Waste in the Metal Finishing Industry and (GG67) Cost-effective Water

Saving Devices and Practices, and in New Practice Case Study (NC11) Rinsing and Chemical

Recovery System Achieves Large Savings, all of which are available through the Environment and

Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.



5.1 LIQUID WASTES

In some cases, liquids, which might otherwise constitute waste, can be recycled rather than used on

a ‘once-through’ basis. For example, organic liquids used for degreasing duties can be recycled after

separation from brine by gravity settling.

The separation processes used need monitoring to check that they are effective. A better alternative

may be available. For instance, gravity settling of two liquid phases often results in interfacial

material, which may be of little use or monetary value and may require special disposal. In these

cases, if large amounts of such material are generated, consider enhancing separation, perhaps by

lengthening the settling time. Distillation can be used to recover useful materials, such as fats from

degreasing agents.

5.2 SOLID WASTES

Solid wastes are generated at a number of points in tannery processing. Any reduction in the

amount of solid waste disposed of off-site - through improving process control, treating waste

before disposal or finding outlets for the waste generated - can dramatically reduce your disposal

costs.

5.2.1 Optimising process control

Raw materials can be optimised using computer numerical control (CNC) technology. Leather is

delivered in the form of single hides. Due to the nature of the material, there will always be defects

or patches of inferior quality resulting from tears, scratches, insect bites and colour discrepancies. A

good cutting system will identify the optimum cut from each hide, ensuring that any blemishes are

only included in areas where they will not impact upon product quality.

25

section

5

A large tannery collects its soaking/degreasing waste liquors in gutters situated under the

rotating drums. The fat from the skin is distilled off and the paraffin and brine are allowed to

settle. The soaking/degreasing process uses around 8 000 litres of paraffin each week, of which

6 900 litres are recovered for re-use (86% recovery). The brine solution is also re-used in

subsequent batches. The re-use of paraffin alone represents savings of £46 500/year in purchase

and disposal costs.

MINIMIS I NG RAW MATERIAL USE A ND

REDUCING WASTES FOR D ISPOSAL

5



26

section

5

A high-quality upholstered furniture manufacturer has purchased a leather cutting machine for

£300 000. The hide is laid out on the surface of the machine which is perforated to create a

vacuum, which holds the leather in place. An operator marks defects with an electronic pen,

grading them from 1 (minor) to 4 (major). This grading is displayed on a computer monitor to

ensure that no blemishes are missed. Leather with minor category defects may be suitable for

use in certain parts of a chair, such as the chair base, whereas only unblemished leather may be

used on upper surfaces.

Once all blemishes have been entered, the computer will work out the optimum cutting

arrangement for the hide (see Fig 14). A plastic sheet is then rolled over the hide to hold it

steady during the automatic cutting operation.

Benefits of the machinery include:

s A small reduction in leather wastage rates.

s Optimum use of any slightly defective material.

s More consistent cutting accuracy which reduces problems further down the production

line.

s Generation of data on hide utilisation, defect levels and seriousness.

s Significant labour reduction. The machine has multiplied the output per person in the

cutting area by three to five times.

Fig 14 Optimising hide use through automatic cutting machinery

Defects

1. Minor2. Moderate3. Significant4. Major



5.2.2 Good housekeeping

s Keep work areas tidy to reduce the frequency of items such as gloves and aprons being lost.

TIP Inform staff of the costs of disposing of consumable items to encourage re-use.

s Sort trimmings to maximise opportunities for re-use.

5.2.3 Find outlets for waste

s Look for outside organisations that might have a use for your solid waste. For example:

- trimmings may be suitable for use as filler materials;

- larger trimmings may be suitable for making items such as purses, watch straps or key fobs.

5.2.4 Treat waste to reduce volume

s Reduce the volume of fleshings prior to disposal. Fleshings can be bulky with a high water

content, but can be stored so that water is removed under gravity, resulting in substantial

savings in disposal costs. Mechanical compactors can be used, but may prove an expensive,

ineffective and high-maintenance option.

s Consider ‘briquetting’. This practice can effectively increase the bulk density of solid wastes

from dust extraction equipment prior to disposal.

5.2.5 Segregate waste

Segregate waste into paper, cardboard, wood, metal, plastic, containers holding residual chemicals,

trimmings, shavings/dust and rubbish. A disposal cost can be converted into revenue by recycling

waste, realising substantial savings. Segregated waste can often be collected free of charge,

collected at a lower charge than the landfill tax or, in some cases, you may be able to sell your waste

(eg trimmings).

27

section

5

A small tannery processing sheepskins gives some of its chrome-trimmings to a local boxing club

to fill their punch bags.

One tannery keeps hand-sized, dyed trimmings, which it then sells at 25 pence/kg. The trimmings

are used to manufacture key fobs.

A tannery, typically processing 50 000 skins/week, generates around 1 300 kg fleshings/week.

In the past, untreated fleshings were collected in skips and disposed of to landfill. However,

through effective compaction, fleshings are now handled as a solid rather than a liquid waste,

saving £850/year in disposal costs.

Did you know...?

The landfill tax is chargeable by weight and there are two rates. ‘Inert’ waste is charged at the

lower rate (£2/tonne), whereas ‘active’ waste is charged at the standard rate of £10/tonne. If

waste contains both inert and active materials, tax is due on the whole load at the standard rate.

In some cases, the water content of waste can be discounted, but only where it is not present

naturally. However, you will need written approval from your local Landfill Tax Officer. To qualify

for a discount, the water content of the waste must be a minimum of 25% (by weight).

Circumstances include:

s water added to allow transportation for disposal;

s water that has arisen and/or been added in the course of an industrial process.



5.3 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: ARE YOU IN

CONTROL?

Wastewater treatment is an important consideration in any waste minimisation or cost reduction

programme. Costs are directly incurred as a result of running effluent collection and treatment

systems, and in discharge to sewer or surface water.

A typical wastewater treatment installation may consist of pH adjustment and solid-liquid separation

to remove suspended solids, metals (such as trivalent chromium) and some chemical oxygen demand

(COD). Failure to control treatment plants closely can lead to excessive losses of materials. Makesure that your plant has:

s adequate control of process conditions, such as feed flow rate, retention times, temperature

and pH;

s the appropriate chemical additives, such as coagulating and flocculating agents;

s optimised dosing of treatment chemicals in relation to expected pollutant loads and

wastewater flow rates, by sampling and in-situ monitoring.

Make sure you understand why specific treatments are necessary, perhaps by developing a pollutant

‘map’ showing the points of origin of wastewater contaminants. Such a map will help to prioritise

processes for waste minimisation measures.

Sludges that normally result from the operation of effluent treatment plants may contain significant

quantities of water, even after settling. Lowering the moisture content of a waste sludge prior to

off-site disposal can lead to significant savings in haulage costs and other disposal charges, such as

landfill tax.

28

section

5

One tannery collects sludge (comprising mainly of process waste from tanning and dyeing

operations) in a series of open submersed pits at the coarse screen of its effluent treatment plant.

In the past, this wet sludge was collected six times a year by tanker and disposed of to landfill

at a cost of £6 000/year. By draining off the water, the sludge cake is now handled as solid

waste. A digger is used six times a year to transfer wet sludge to slotted cages where it is left

to drain for a week. The dried sludge (3 tonnes on each occasion) is then transferred to a skip,

which is sent to landfill. The cost of the digger plus the disposal cost of the sludge cake to

landfill is £1 200/year, representing a cost saving of £4 800/year.

A small tannery was spending £8 951/year to dispose of a wet sludge slurry (approximately 5%

solids) produced from its effluent treatment plant. In 1995, the company fitted a filter press

costing £9 510 (purchase price plus installation) to the outlet of the existing effluent plant, which

reduced the water content of the slurry (to approximately 40% solids). The disposal cost of the

sludge cake was £1 085 for the year immediately following the installation of the filter press,giving a simple payback period of around 14 months.

Wastewater treatment is covered in detail in Good Practice Guide (GG175) Improving the

Performance of Effluent Treatment Plant , and detailed information is available about the types

of effluent treatment in GG37 Cost-effective Separation Technologies for Minimising Wastes and

Effluents, GG54 Cost-effective Membrane Technologies for Minimising Wastes and Effluents and

GG109 Choosing Cost-effective Pollution Control . All publications are available through the




Hides and skins are dried after tanning and dyeing operations. Drying over a long period allows the

grain and flesh sides of the hide/skin to dry evenly. In most tanneries in the UK, heat needs to begenerated for drying processes, making it a high energy consuming process. With the introduction

of a climate change levy (see Section 1.3), you need to consider ways to minimise drying energy use.

s Assess your drying efficiency by looking at your energy bills. Consider alternative ways of

drying.

s Remove excess moisture prior to drying.

s Where feasible, take advantage of natural drying.

s Do not over-dry hides/skins. This results in increased energy costs and increased shrinkage of

the hide/skin. Excessive shrinkage is an issue particularly if the hide/skin is sold by area.

s Make sure that drying room doors are kept closed and correctly sealed, and board up

windows. Consider insulating roof voids and installing cavity wall insulation.

TIP Effective insulation can reduce heat losses by up to 90%.

s Make sure drying rooms are ‘dry’. Check walls for damp caused by, for example, leaking

gutters and downpipes, faulty damp-proof courses or damaged roof tiles.

s Optimise thermostat settings in the drying rooms. Where necessary, install more thermostats

for increased control of zones and update existing thermostats. An electronic thermostat

allows close temperature control and costs about £30 - £50. Older bimetallic thermostats can

allow room temperatures to vary by 3°C from the set temperature.

s Operate boilers efficiently and service them regularly. Poorly operated or maintained boilers

can increase heating costs by up to 30%. If boiler equipment is old, consider replacing it.

Gas condensing boilers achieve 90% heat transfer efficiency, compared with the 50 - 75%

efficiency achieved by old fossil fuel boilers.

s Check lagging of pipes, valves and flanges. Make sure that you are using the most

appropriate insulation material and thickness. Check for ill-fitting insulation, which allows air

to circulate between the insulation and the pipe. Also check pipes for leaks - waterloggedinsulation material is considerably less efficient, heat loss is excessive and water make-up

expensive.

29

section

6

In one tannery, hides are attached to a conveyor belt which is raised above the sammying

machines. This uses the heat generated from the machines to aid the drying process withouttaking up floor space.

O P T I M I S I N G D R Y I N G

P R O C E S S E S

6



s Investigate the potential for heat recovery, for example, for boiler prefeed or space heating.

Control space heating to prevent overheating during milder weather.

s Optimise vacuum efficiency. Advice on how to do this is contained in Good Practice Guides

(GG101) Reducing Vacuum Costs and (GPG83) Energy efficient liquid ring vacuum pump

installations in the paper industry , available through the Environment and Energy Helpline on

0800 585794.

s Where possible, consider the use of combined heat and power (CHP) schemes. Contact the

Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794 for the relevant publication list and details

of the CHP Club (also accessible through www.chpclub.com).

30

section

6

The substantial cost savings achievable by insulating pipe fittings are demonstrated in Good

Practice Case Study (GPCS274) Insulation of pipe fittings, available through the Environment and




Reducing energy bills has always made good business sense. The introduction of a climate change

levy (see Section 1.3) is likely to increase energy bills for tanneries. It is, therefore, vital to reduceenergy use wherever possible, to minimise the impact of the levy. Many no-cost and low-cost

changes to current practices can result in substantial savings. General advice on energy efficiency

and access to a wealth of publications on energy-saving initiatives are available through the


7.1 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

s Carry out processes in an order that will minimise energy consumption. For example, carry

out trimming at the earliest opportunity to avoid using high energy processes on a part of the

hide/skin which will then be disposed of as solid waste.s Avoid unnecessary or excessive use of energy. For example, switch off lights when areas are

not in use, eg at lunchtime, between shifts or after hours.

s Review lighting in premises. Small changes can result in a substantial reduction in electricity costs.

s In areas with infrequent occupation, such as stock rooms and drying rooms, install timer

switches on lights or use passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect activity, to ensure that lights

are not left on. PIRs can also be used in washrooms to control fans and the flushing of urinals.

7.2 MOTORS AND DRIVES

Electric motor and drive systems account for a substantial proportion of electricity use in the leather

industry. Large cost savings with short payback periods can be achieved by implementing small

improvements in motor efficiency and management and are described in General Information

Leaflet (GIL56) Energy savings from motor management policies.

s Review your processing requirements. You need to know where you are using energy for

motors and drives to assess the potential for savings.

s Make sure machinery is switched off when not in use and after hours. Where appropriate,

switch off machinery during lunch breaks and between shifts.

s Remember to switch off ancillary equipment, such as exhaust systems and systems used toraise vacuums, when the machines they serve are switched off.

s Service all machinery regularly.

31

M I N I M I S I N G E N E R G Y

W A S T A G E

7

For a short trial period, one tannery switched off the lights during lunchtime (one hour) and shift-

breaks. The company calculated the savings to be worth over £350/year, equivalent to the profit

from £3 500 of sales. This lighting procedure is now standard practice and the company is

thinking of installing sensors to control lighting in the toilets to increase savings.

Examples where changes in lighting practices have resulted in substantial cost savings are

described in Good Practice Case Studies (GPCS174) Energy efficient lighting in factories and

(GPCS309) Energy efficient lighting in industrial buildings, available through the Environment

and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.

section

7



s Use the most appropriate motor or drive system:

- Check motor sizes. Many industrial motors are oversized for their application and,

therefore, usually run at below peak efficiency.

- Consider higher efficiency motors (HEMs), which are, on average, 3% more efficient than

standard motors and cost about the same.

- Look at the cost savings of using motor controllers (often referred to as voltage

controllers, ‘smart’ controllers, or ‘black-boxes’). These constantly adjust the voltage to

the motor terminals so that it is just sufficient to meet the load and generally incorporatea ‘soft-start’ facility that reduces the current used to start the motor.

- Consider using electronic variable speed drives (VSDs), also referred to as ‘black-boxes’.

These match the input to and the speed of the motor to meet the load requirements. In

most cases, motor controllers and VSDs can easily replace existing motor starters.

s If you operate machinery during weekdays, check your electrical usage at weekends. What

should be left running, and what could be switched off?

7.3 COMPRESSED AIR

Compressed air is a reliable and adaptable power source, but it is not cheap, using 10 units of

electricity to provide one unit of compressed air.

s Service the air compressor system regularly and always use the correct spare parts. Irregular and

incorrect maintenance of compressors can lead to poor performance and reduced efficiencies.

s Switch off compressed air systems when they are not needed.

s Use inlet air from outside the building. Efficiency can be improved by around 2% if the

temperature of the inlet air is reduced by 8°C.

s Consider replacing air compressors. Substantial cost savings are achievable, as described in

Good Practice Case Study (GPCS233) Energy and cost savings from air compressor

replacement , available through the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.

32

A tannery found that oil was leaking from the bearings of the dye drums. It was thought that

this was due to the use of excess oil. Each of the six dye drums has two bearings. Before taking

action, each bearing consumed 0.25 litre/day of oil per drum at a cost of 72p/litre, resulting in

annual costs of £561.60. By reducing the amount of oil used to a total of 1 litre/day, the

company achieved cost savings of £374.40/year. More recently, the oil has been replaced with

grease, with annual grease consumption estimated at 1 kg. Since the cost of grease is around

£1/kg, this represents further material cost savings of £186.20/year.

One tannery operated four air compressors (including two 30 kW compressors used for

embossing). A survey of its air compressor system revealed 23 leaks, ten of which needed urgent

action. The cost of leaks associated with one of the 30 kW compressors was calculated to be

23 pence/hour or around 11% of the electricity costs for the machine. Simply by fixing these

leaks, the company calculated the annual saving in electricity for this compressor to be £280.

The site aims to reduce losses due to leaks to 5%.

Did you know...?

Ninety per cent of the electricity used by a compressor is lost as heat. Depending on the type of

compressor, this may be available as hot water or warm air, which could then be used elsewhere

on-site.

section

7



Reducing the quantities of packaging and cutting associated costs are issues that are applicable to

all companies. Packaging may be involved at each stage of a process, from raw materials toprocessed goods. The term is used to describe materials that contain and/or protect goods, help

with handling and delivery, and identify products. Recent legislation (see Section 1.3) is proving a

key driver for many companies to address packaging use and waste. Even if your company is not

obligated, you may be affected by others in your supply chain.

You will find further details on packaging issues, together with useful tips on how to reduce your

packaging use and waste, in Good Practice Guides (GG140) Cutting Costs and Waste by Reducing

Packaging Use and (GG141) Choosing and Managing Re-usable Transit Packaging, and (ET250)

Unpack Those Hidden Savings: 120 Tips on Reducing Packaging Use and Costs, all of which are

available free of charge through the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.

8.1 HIDES AND SKINS

s Avoid using containers that do not stack. Consider implementation of palletised deliveries.

Pallets can often be recycled, re-used or sold.

s Look for secondary uses for packaging. For example, polythene wrappers may be re-usable

in-house, eliminating the need to buy polythene.

TIP Several tanneries re-use polythene to cover ‘horsed’ skins or hides. This retains moisture in

the hide/skin between processes, where there may be a substantial standing-period and

dehydration poses a problem. The re-wetting of hides and skins uses water and is time

consuming.

8.2 CHEMICAL CONTAINERS

s Explore the possibility with suppliers of returning packages (such as drums) for disposal or

refilling.

s Look at the possibility of cleaning containers/drums and removing labels so that they can be

disposed of as plastic or metal waste, rather than special waste.

s Segregate waste to maximise opportunities for recycling containers/drums rather than their

being disposed of to landfill sites.

33

A tannery bought some of its chemicals from a company operating a returns service. Although

there was a small increase in the cost of the chemicals (a cleaning charge of £5 for each 200 kg

drum), the containers were collected free of charge. Prior to adopting this policy, non-returnable

drums were cleaned and delivered to a local scrap merchant.

PACKAG ING8

section

8



8.3 PRODUCT PACKAGING

s Where possible, keep packaging to a minimum and consider buying recycled materials such

as paper, cardboard and polythene - it helps to stimulate demand for recycled products and

they can prove cheaper than non-recycled materials.

s If you use cardboard tubes to dispatch finished products in the UK, consider operating a

returns policy. This would help your customers to reduce their packaging waste and may help

to improve your company image.

34

One tannery uses recycled polythene as part of its product packaging at a cost of £0.85/kgcompared with £1.28/kg for non-recycled polythene. On average, 27 kg of polythene is used

each week, representing an annual saving of around £560. Similarly, recycled paper is used at

a saving of £7 for 480 sheets, representing an annual saving of £280.

section

8



A waste minimisation programme comprises various projects or activities, each designed to reduce

some form of waste. Initiatives need to be co-ordinated to ensure that the main problem areas aretargeted first and that work is not repeated for no gain. This Section outlines what steps you need

to take to set up a programme, to ensure that you get the most out of your waste minimisation

initiatives.

1. Set up a team to drive and co-ordinate waste minimisation initiatives. A well-focused team

can achieve far more than an individual or a group of individuals working alone. Collectively,

they can see more, generate more ideas and solutions, raise more support and increase

motivation.

2. Estimate the size of your waste problem. Following the advice in Section 2, carry out a waste

review to identify all sources of waste and their associated costs. It is important to identify

the factors that dictate process efficiency so that they can be measured and monitored.

3. Use the data from the waste review to get senior management commitment to reducing theproblem. Publicise the review results company-wide. It is important to communicate with

staff and educate and train them about the need to minimise waste.

4. Prepare a policy statement showing commitment to waste minimisation at work. It will

ensure that everyone in the company understands what you are trying to do. Have the policy

statement approved by senior management, making it a part of the company’s work policy.

5. Set targets for waste minimisation.

6. Use data from the waste review to identify some no-cost and low-cost options that will

rapidly produce (large) savings and publicise the results. These savings will demonstrate what

can be achieved and will encourage long-term commitment to the programme.

7. Repeat the waste review. Use the mass balance approach to assess waste costs on a regularbasis, to chart improvements using the results from the initial review as a base-line. Monitor

processes by taking regular measurements that will highlight annual and seasonal trends to

give a clearer view of what progress you are making.

8. Re-evaluate your options and targets in light of any changes in operating procedures, inputs,

outputs and associated costs. Discuss the merits of new developments and novel

technologies applicable to the leather industry. By implementing any changes and

monitoring the effects, a cycle for continuous improvement can be established (Fig 15).

35

I M P L E M E N T I N G A W A S T E

M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M M E

9

section

9

The implementation of a waste management programme in the workplace is described in

detail in Good Practice Guide (GG27) Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Teams and

Champions. A detailed account of environmental management systems (EMS) is described in

Good Practice Guide (GG137) How to Set Up Environmental Management Systems in the

Textiles Industry . Both Guides are available free of charge through the Environment and




36

section

9

Fig 15 Cycle for continuous improvement

Initial review

Measure

Measureto Manage

Generate ideasand prioritise

options

Implement Compare

A large, multi-site tannery has implemented a waste management scheme at one of its sites,

which focuses on better, faster, cheaper manufacturing. The programme tackles a series of

issues including energy and material conservation, continuous improvement/benchmarking and

commitment. Successful waste minimisation resulted from three key areas:

s senior management commitment;

s team working;

s employee involvement in the waste review.



Your next step is to draw up an Action Plan, which will allow you to implement a waste minimisation

programme in your workplace. Using a checklist, like the example shown in Fig 16, will help you todevelop your plan, set real-time targets and detail staff participation. A blank checklist is contained

in the Appendix, for you to copy and fill in.

37

A C T I O N P L A N10

section

10

Fig 16 Example Action Plan

WASTE MINIMISATION: ACTION CHECKLIST

Action By whom When

Identify interested parties

Form a management team

Draft a policy statement

JP

JP

JP

1/5/00

14/5/00

by 10/5/00

Get a statement of commitment from senior management

Publicise the project: inform staff of the need for waste minimisation

Put in place the means of maintaining staff participation

Map your processes: get to understand your process requirements

Compile your inventory of processes

Compile inventories of inputs, including water and energy

Compile inventories of products, wastes and emissions

Develop tools for continuous improvement, such as the review table

Fill in any data gaps

Identify areas where improvements in processing can be made

Identify practices which could be used to improve processing

Carry out a cost-benefit assessment of options

Prioritise your waste saving options

Implement your ideas - start with quick or no-cost/low-cost examples

Publicise successes

Set targets and monitor progress

Develop a plan for continuous improvement



Changes in technology and the regular introduction of new chemicals and enzymes for use in leather

processing make it advisable to assess current practices regularly, to ensure that you are using thebest, most efficient options for your particular situation. This Section lists useful sources of

information on recent advances and current best practice, to help you to maintain your competitive

position.

Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme

Environment and Energy Helpline 0800 585794

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.etbpp.gov.uk

The Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme is a Government-funded programme that

helps companies in the UK to become more competitive through improving their environmentalperformance by reducing waste at source. Information is disseminated through publications, and

the Programme is also involved in workshops, seminars and waste minimisation clubs. The

Environment and Energy Helpline and the Programme web site provide contact points for the

Programme’s services, which are all free of charge.

Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme

Environment and Energy Helpline 0800 585794


Web site: www.energy-efficiency.gov.uk

The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme is a Government-funded programme that helpscompanies in the UK to become more competitive by reducing their energy use. Free, practical

advice is disseminated through publications, workshops and seminars.

38

section

11

S O U R C E S O F F U R T H E R

I N F O R M A T I O N

11

The Environment and Energy Helpline on freephone 0800 585794 can:

s provide up to two hours of free confidential, expert advice on any environmental or

energy efficiency problem;

s send you copies of relevant Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme and

Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme publications;

s suggest other sources of information;s arrange for a specialist to visit your company if you employ fewer than 250 people

(at the discretion of the Helpline Manager).



BIO-WISE - Biotechnology at Work

BIO-WISE Helpline 0800 432100


Web site: www.dti.gov.uk/biowise

Fax: 01235 432997

The BIO-WISE Programme, funded by the DTI, offers free, independent advice on how UK

companies can use biotechnology to reduce business costs, and improve their environmental

performance and competitive edge. Specific guidance for leather companies is available through

the BIO-WISE Helpline and the web site.

Environment Agency

Web site: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Head of Policy Co-ordination (AIR)

SEPA Head Office

Erskine CourtThe Castle Business Park

Stirling

FK9 4TR

Tel: 01786 457700

Fax: 01786 446885


Web site: www.sepa.org.uk

Department of Environment (Northern Ireland)

For information on those processes that are classified as ‘Part A and B processes’, contact:

Department of Environment (NI)

Environment and Heritage Service

Calvert House

23 Castle Place

Belfast

BT1 1FY

Tel: 028 9025 4754

Fax: 028 9025 4865

For information on those processes that are classified as ‘Part C processes’, contact the ChiefEnvironmental Health Officer in your Local Council.

IPPC

European Web site: www.eippcb.jrc.es

British Leather Confederation

Leather Trade House

Kings Park Road

Moulton Park

Northampton

NN3 6JD

Tel: 01604 679999

Fax: 01604 679998

Web site: www.blcleathertech.com 39

section

11



Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme Publications

Good Practice Guides

GG25 Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Raw Material Use

GG26 Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Reducing Water Use

GG27 Saving Money Through Waste Minimisation: Teams and Champions

GG37 Cost-effective Separation Technologies for Minimising Wastes and Effluents

GG54 Cost-effective Membrane Technologies for Minimising Wastes and Effluents

GG62 Water and Chemical Use in the Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industry

GG67 Cost-effective Water Saving Devices and Practices

GG101 Reducing Vacuum Costs

GG109 Choosing Cost-effective Pollution Control

GG137 How to Set Up Environmental Management Systems in the Textiles Industry

GG140 Cutting Costs and Waste by Reducing Packaging Use

GG141 Choosing and Managing Re-usable Transit Packaging

GG152 Tracking Water Use to Cut Costs

GG160 Minimising Chemical and Water Waste in the Metal Finishing Industry

GG175 Improving the Performance of Effluent Treatment Plant

Environmental Performance Guide

EG98 Water Use in Textile Dyeing and Finishing

New Practice Case Study

NC11 Rinsing and Chemical Recovery System Achieves Large Savings

General

ET250 Unpack Those Hidden Savings: 120 Tips on Reducing Packaging Use and Costs

Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme Publications

Good Practice Guide

GPG83 Energy efficient liquid ring vacuum pump installations in the paper industry

Good Practice Case Studies

GPCS174 Energy efficient lighting in factories

GPCS233 Energy and cost savings from air compressor replacement

GPCS274 Insulation of pipe fittings

GPCS309 Energy efficient lighting in industrial buildings

General

Focus The manager’s guide to reducing energy bills

GIL56 Energy savings from motor management policies

GIR63 Energy management pathfinder

40

section

12

F U R T H E R R E A D I N G12

All the publications listed above are available free of charge through the Environment and Energy

Helpline on freephone 0800 585794.



These blank forms are for you to photocopy and use to record the information you need for your

initial review, and to develop your Action Plan. Please adapt them as necessary for your processesand site.

41

B L A N K F O R M S

Appendix

appx

A1



42

INVENTORY OF PROCESSES

Site name: Page: of

Assigned process numberAny descriptionProcess name

GG237 published by the Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme. Helpline 0800 585794



43

INVENTORY OF INPUTS

Process name:

Process number:

Input name Input use

Page: of




44

INVENTORY OF OUTPUTS (PRODUCTS)

Process name:

Process number:

Product name Product use

Page: of




45

INVENTORY OF OUTPUTS (WASTES AND EMISSIONS)

Process name:

Process number:

Output name Output fate

Page: of




46

INPUTS AND WASTES SUMMARY

Organisation:

Prepared by:

Inputs and wastes Annual

quantity

Units

Process nameand number:

Input/output

Rank

(by quantity)

Cost

(£/year)

Rank

(by cost)

Raw materials

Water

Energy

Wastes/emissions




47

SITE WASTE COSTS SUMMARY

Item Usage(units)

Units cost(£/unit)

Totalcost (£)

Waste(%)

Wasteamount(units)

Cost ofwaste

(£)

Raw materials

Packaging

Utilities

Total




48

WASTE MINIMISATION: ACTION CHECKLIST

Action By whom When

Identify interested parties

Form a management team

Draft a policy statement

Get a statement of commitment from senior management

Publicise the project: inform staff of the need for waste minimisation

Put in place the means of maintaining staff participation

Map your processes: get to understand your process requirements

Compile your inventory of processes

Compile inventories of inputs, including water and energy

Compile inventories of products, wastes and emissions

Develop tools for continuous improvement, such as the review table

Fill in any data gaps

Identify areas where improvements in processing can be made

Identify practices which could be used to improve processing

Carry out a cost-benefit assessment of options

Prioritise your waste saving options

Implement your ideas - start with quick or no-cost/low-cost examples

Publicise successes

Set targets and monitor progress

Develop a plan for continuous improvement




The Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme is a Government programme managed by

AEA Technology Environment and NPL Management Ltd.

The Programme offers free advice and information for UK businesses and promotes

environmental practices that:

s increase profits for UK industry and commerce;

s reduce waste and pollution at source.

To find out more about the Programme please call the Environment and Energy Helpline on

freephone 0800 585794. As well as giving information about the Programme, the Helpline has

access to a wide range of environmental information. It offers free advice to UK businesses on

technical matters, environmental legislation, conferences and promotional seminars. For smaller

companies, a free counselling service may be offered at the discretion of the Helpline Manager.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY HELPLINE

0800 585794world wide web: http://www.etbpp.gov.uk

e-mail address: [email protected]

waste leather industry

Documents