Hazardous waste management in Chile: novel challenges for a new regulation

During the next 180 days after its publication (i.e. until December 12th, 2004), each industrial facility was obligated to present a "Hazardous Waste Management Plan" if the facility generates more than 12 ton/year hazardous wastes or more than 12 kg/year acute toxic wastes. Based on this new regulation, hazardous waste management plans were carried out in two facilities of the most important sectors of Chilean industrial activity: A paper production plant and a Zn and Pb mine. Hazardous wastes were identified, classified and quantified in both facilities. Used oil and oil-contaminated materials were determined to be the most important hazardous wastes generated. Minimization measures were implemented and reuse and recycling options were analyzed. The use of used oil as alternative fuel in high energy demanding facilities (i.e. cement facilities) and the re-refining of the used oil were found to be the most suitable options. In Chile, there are three facilities producing alternative fuels from used oil, while two plants are nowadays re-refining oil to recycle it as hydraulic fluid in industry. In this sense, a proper and sustainable management of the used oil appears to be promissory.