A Novel Canadian Solution for Management of PCB Mixed Waste

Abstract

Historically, options for management of Mixed Wastes (both solid and liquid) contaminated with PCBs (Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls) have been limited in Canada. In addition, licensed waste destruction facilities in US cannot accept PCB mixed wastes from non-US jurisdictions. Because of this, Kinectrics developed an innovative turnkey solution for processing and disposal of PCB mixed waste within Canada. In the past, over 100 drums of PCB solid and liquid mixed wastes were successfully processed and disposed using a suite of proprietary processes developed by Kinectrics.More recently, Kinectrics was contracted by a Canadian nuclear customer for disposal of its remaining PCB mixed waste inventory. The complexities associated with these drums presented significant processibility challenges. This paper presents an overview of the various approaches developed by Kinectrics for successful processing and disposal of these challenging solid as well as liquid PCB mixed wastes within Canada. A summary of the results, challenges faced and how they were overcome will be presented.