What Is Chemical Repurposing?

Chemical Repurposing

Chemical Repurposing in Houston, TX: What You Need to Know

Chemical waste management is a crucial part of manufacturing and industrial processes in Houston, TX. When chemicals are reused or repurposed rather than being sent to landfills, we can reduce our environmental footprint, save money, and prevent chemicals from going to waste. During the chemical repurposing process, chemical materials are evaluated for volume, safety, and viability to determine if they qualify for possible reuse. Excel Industrial Group can facilitate this process by analyzing your chemical and industrial waste, telling you how it can be repurposed, and connecting you with the right buyers or chemical traders. We will then safely remove and transport your chemicals to the new owner.
Chemical Repurposing Infographics by Excel Industrial Group in Houston

What Is Chemical Waste?

Chemical waste is any unused, unwanted, or leftover chemical material. Chemical waste can be classified as hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, universal waste, or household hazardous waste. The rules and regulations surrounding how to handle, store, transport, and dispose of chemical waste depend on the type and amount of waste. Industrial waste is any waste produced by industrial activity that is no longer useful. It can be hazardous or non-hazardous and can be in solid, liquid, or gas form. Chemical and industrial waste can be generated by:

  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Mills
  • Factories
  • Textile and leather production
  • Food processing
  • Power plants
  • Electronics manufacturing
  • Construction and demolition
  • Waste treatment and disposal facilities
  • Cleaning companies
  • Households/consumers

What Is Chemical Repurposing?

If chemical materials are still viable, they can be reused so they don’t end up in a chemical waste disposal facility. Ideal chemicals are ones that are unopened, unexpired, mostly full, and uncontaminated. The containers holding the chemicals must be in good condition and must contain the original manufacturer’s labels. Chemical waste repurposing may be possible for:

  • Acids
  • Alkalis
  • Acetone
  • Batteries
  • Ethanol SDA
  • Ethyl acetate
  • Ethylene glycol
  • Ferrous sulfate
  • Glycols
  • Hydrofluoric acid
  • Methyl ethyl ketone
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Metals like lead and aluminum
  • Phosphoric acid
  • Plastics
  • Sodium hydroxide solution
  • Solvents
  • Some industrial byproducts
  • Sulfuric acid

Repurposed chemicals can be used in many different ways:

  • Scented fragrances used in shampoo can be repurposed for creating perfume.
  • Mineral oil used by drug companies can be repurposed to make insect repellent.
  • Isopropyl alcohol used in medical devices can be repurposed by printing companies.
  • Surplus vitamins can be reused in water treatment plants.

Why Is Chemical Repurposing Necessary?

To reduce our environmental impact and limit the introduction of non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals into landfills and waste disposal facilities, we should commit to sustainable practices in an effort to create a circular economy. Some chemicals can be recirculated and reused, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and surfactants. Chemical repurposing can save money, reduce environmental impact, and reduce the amount of chemical waste that ends up in chemical waste management facilities. The benefits of repurposing industrial waste and chemical waste are:

  • Turn your unused chemical and industrial waste into an additional income stream for your company.
  • Help you find a safe, environmentally friendly way to dispose of your chemicals.
  • Reduce your environmental impact and make your company greener.
  • Reduce your need for chemical waste disposal services.
  • Save resources and money used to manufacture new chemicals.
  • Keeps potentially hazardous chemicals out of landfills.
  • Conserves natural resources.

How to Repurpose Waste from Chemical & Industrial Processes

Chemical waste management is crucial, as chemical and industrial waste can be hazardous and dangerous to the environment. Repurposing chemical waste keeps it out of landfills and allows it to find a second life. If the chemicals are viable, a chemical and industrial waste management company can connect you with a chemical trader or buyer. That company will negotiate a price, and the waste management company will arrange for the safe transportation of your chemicals to their new owner. Before chemicals can be repurposed, they must go through a stringent process:

  • Analysis of Chemical Purity – The chemicals must be analyzed to determine if they are of sufficient purity for their new application.
  • Established Efficacy or Viability – The chemicals must be tested to ensure they are still effective and viable.
  • Safety – The chemicals must be proven to be safe, not contaminated or tampered with, and in a container that is in good condition.
  • Properly Labeled – The chemicals must be properly labeled by their original manufacturer.

Why Choose Excel Industrial Group

If you are involved in a business that creates chemical industrial waste, it is essential that you have a waste management plan that complies with all local and federal regulations. Industrial waste can be chemical in nature and may be hazardous. Storing or disposing of unwanted industrial chemicals can create environmental hazards, but chemical waste can be kept out of landfills through chemical repurposing. With our chemical trading services, we can find buyers for your used or unwanted chemicals. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it can translate into extra income for your company. Acids, alkalis, and solvents are just a few of the types of chemicals that can be repurposed and used across different industries.

Contact Us for Chemical Waste Management Solutions

At Excel Industrial Group, we can help you turn potential waste into valuable resources for your company. We specialize in chemical waste management services, industrial waste transportation and disposal, waste analysis services, chemical waste transportation, and chemical trading. Call us now or contact us online to learn more.