FAQ sheet – Beneficial Reuse

January 10, 2020

What is Beneficial Reuse?

“Beneficial reuse” is defined by the EPA as reusing a waste material – that would otherwise be discarded – in a manner that makes it a valuable commodity. 

Spent materials are generally byproducts of a refinery or chemical process that would ordinarily be treated as wastes. When beneficially reused without reclamation, the spent caustics and spent chemicals are exempt from the solid waste definition and are categorized as a product (or valuable commodity) under the EPA regulations.

What does Beneficial Reuse mean to Merichem?

Beneficial reuse describes Merichem’s use of spent materials as an ingredient in an industrial process to make a product or as an effective substitute for commercial products, without reclamation.

Beneficial reuse also fits within the Guiding Principles of the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® initiative. Merichem is a long-standing member of the American Chemistry Council and shares a common commitment to the continuous improvement in environmental, health, safety, and security performance with respect to chemical products and processes. The Guiding Principles include the recycling of products.

What value does Beneficial Reuse create for Merichem’s customers?

Merichem offers turnkey solutions by providing vast storage, robust logistics capabilities, subject matter expertise in beneficial reuse, and a strong network of end users in diverse markets. 

Our unique services reduce your environmental impact while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible stewardship and supporting your ESG goals. We do this safely, responsibly, and cost effectively.

Does my product qualify?

Merichem determines the quality specifications for spent caustics it will accept for beneficial reuse. A material will qualify if it meets the specifications as measured by proprietary analytical methods. Merichem’s John T. Files Technical Center (FTC) is available to evaluate your material upon request. Learn more about reuse of caustic materials.

How does Merichem apply the Responsible Care® concept to its spent caustic operations?

Merichem endeavors to be a good steward under Responsible Care® by working closely with its suppliers and its end users. Merichem identifies supplier spent caustics with appropriate quality specifications so that the spent caustics can be beneficially reused in the end users’ operations as a substitute for a commercial product or as an ingredient in a manufacturing process under the EPA regulations.

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