RECYCLING AND BENEFICIAL USE OF FOUNDRY BYPRODUCTS

There are many byproducts from the metalcasting process and its related finishing and machining processes which have value when beneficially re-used onsite, or when offered for offsite use. 

• Sand- “green sand” and core sand

• Slag

• Metals

• Grinding dust

• Blast machine fines

• Baghouse dust

• Scrubber waste

• Spent shot beads

• Refractories

• Electric arc furnace dust

• Electric arc furnace carbide graphite electrodes

• Steel drums, other empty containers and packing and packaging materials

• Pallets or skids

• Wax

• Steel drums

• Used oil, oil filters, oil contaminated sorbents, or oil contaminated rags

• Universal wastes such as batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and mercury-containing devices.

• Heat

• General recyclables such as paper, glass, plastics, aluminum cans, and other metals

Waste disposal can be minimized by finding ways to reuse each waste generated and by finding paths to reuse or recycle byproducts onsite or finding off site markets interested in these products.

NOTE: Spent sand alone is one of the byproducts that contributes most significantly toward the largest volume and weight of materials beneficially used.  For that reason, many of the resources provided on this web page are dedicated to promoting beneficial re-use of sand. 

The metalcasting industry recycles at all phases of the manufacturing process, including:

• Purchase of recycled-content materials and components as feedstock;

• Use and reuse of a variety of materials within the melting and molding processes

• Produce recyclable products for customers

• Supplies secondary markets with usable byproducts generated by metalcasting facilities
   

Sustainability in Metalcasting

Recycling isn't the only way foundries contribute to environmental efforts.

Foundries recognize that being environmentally responsible and improving the bottom line aren’t mutually exclusive goals. Many facilities achieve better growth and cost savings, improve their brand and reputation, strengthen stakeholder relations, and boost their profitability. A business case often can be made for promoting environmental sustainability within a facility. Foundries, inherent recyclers, have even more of a business case for environmental sustainability than many other industries. From implementing management systems and metrics to waste management and beneficial reuse, metalcasters can play a key societal role in the sustainability of our natural resources.