Summary for zinc plating waste disposal Discussion
Zinc plating waste disposal concerns are the main issue in this thread: Robbie Ellenburg says he wants to add a small 5-gallon zinc plating/chromating setup to his powdercoating and restoration shop, but is worried about EPA compliance and how to handle the waste stream from unknown hobby-kit chemistries. The excerpt does not include any replies, so there is no detailed guidance from named answerers in the provided text. The practical takeaway from the question is that anyone starting a small plating operation should first identify exactly what chemicals are in the kit they plan to use, then research the applicable waste-handling and environmental requirements before beginning operations. Because the formulas are not known yet, the user cannot determine disposal obligations with confidence from the excerpt alone.
Q. I am considering adding a small 5-gallon zinc plating/chromating setup to my shop. I am currently powdercoating and doing automotive restoration. I want to add the plating setup to refinish small brackets and fasteners from the vehicles. I am concerned with how to deal with the EPA on exactly how to manage waste that I will certainly create. I have done a bit of research on the process, but I don’t know where to start as far as being compliant. Also, I have not found a chemical recipe to mix myself, so I will likely have to purchase a kit from one of the known hobby sites. Therefore, I have no idea exactly what is in their formulas to know what chemicals I’ll be dealing with. Any help would be appreciated as adding this service to my business seems to be mildly profitable and highly convenient, thanks.
Robbie Ellenburg
– Pickens, South Carolina, USA
February 9, 2012