Reduce Disposal Costs While Complying with EPA Regulations

LOCK IT UP!  Super absorbent polymers are the quickest, most cost-effective means of solidifying free liquids in preparation for regulated disposal of environmentally impacted saturated soils, sediments, and industrial / water treatment sludges. Working in just minutes, and expanding by only 1%, super absorbent polymers guarantee quicker cleanup and cheaper transportation and disposal while meeting EPA paint filter criteria for “no-free liquids” leaking from waste containers, trucks or railcars.

Solidification Alternatives May Cost You More

Examples: It takes much more fluff-pulp, wood chips, sawdust, sponge, corncobs, shredded paper, kitty litter, etc., but you are still not guaranteed compliance.

They absorb liquids only – but under pressure or vibration will release liquids!  The result:  potential fines from the US EPA, state DOT /DMV inspectors or local law enforcement.

Super Absorbent Polymers and  Waste Stabilization

The use of super absorbent polymers (SAP) in waste solidification offers many advantages over more conventional absorbents. These advantages include

• minimal increase in waste volume or weight,
• lower transport fees due to fewer loads,
• lower total landfill disposal fees since waste volume do not expand,
• faster processing time and substantial labor savings,
• no exothermic reactions that release organics or PCBs into the environment, and
• able to bind most soluble heavy metals to prevent leaching and reduce TCLP levels.

Conventional absorbents include lime kiln dust, Portland cement, dried corn cobs, shredded newspaper, bentonite clay and sawdust. These common absorbents are relatively cheap – priced in the $20- to $120-per-ton range.

Why would someone use a super absorbent polymer that can cost $1.50/lb. or more?

The project manager needs to evaluate all the key cost parameters of the particular waste stream to determine if the use of SAP is appropriate and cost-effective.  

Related Article: Rapid Solidification of Dredged Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) & Wet Ash Wastes presented at the WEDA Dredging Summit & Expo 2018 in Norfolk, VA

For information on Zappa-Stewart-Chase Super Absorbent Polymers, call 888-369-8704 or 336-378-6004 or contact us on our website. We’ll respond promptly.