Date of Award

3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Jeremy M. Slagley, PhD

Abstract

The disposal of hazardous waste threatens the environment and human health. However, certain hazardous wastes can be recycled or reclaimed to alleviate environmental and financial impacts associated with its disposal and resource demand reduction. A hazardous powder produced by the United States Air Force stems from aircraft maintenance and is composed of metals and ceramics, called thermal spray. This waste can be purchased by an industrial recycler if the waste is composed of valuable metals. Historic data from the depot-level maintenance base Tinker Air Force Base initiated an analysis of annual thermal spray hazardous waste disposal fees, which combined with a sample analysis resulted in an expected value of the waste to a recycler, and potential profits if a contract to recycle the waste was created. Tinker Air Force Base’s thermal spray waste stream was valued at $0.16/lb, resulting in an estimated annual profit of $10,856.64 and the saving of an additional $26,463.06 of disposal fees. It is recommended that this research initiates the recycling of thermal spray waste stream throughout the Department of Defense in order to save money and lessen the burden to the environment through disposal and resource extraction reduction.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-20-M-239

DTIC Accession Number

AD1101748

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