These forms & worksheets are included to provide a structure for collecting and organizing the information needed to evaluate waste reduction opportunities. Additionally, they can be a record of your waste minimization efforts for compliance purposes.

Note for Online Version: Print out the forms & the hardcopy versions for your records. Each form and worksheet is hyperlinked to the primary corresponding discussion in Chapter Three: Your Waste Minimization Program.

Technical Feasibility Worksheet (WS-4)

Refer to Your Waste Minimization Program: Conducting A Waste Reduction Assessment

Option: _______________________________ Date: __________
Wastestream(s) Affected: ___________________________________

The following questions will help you to determine if significant roadblocks exist to implementation of any particular waste reduction option. Copy a form for each option being evaluated, and place a check in the column which corresponds to your answer for each question:

• Will this option adversely affect product quality?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Is there an industrial precedent for this method/technology with a good track record, or convincing evidence it will work?
  
  • _____Yes _____No^* _____Not Sure

• If applicable, will the vendor of this option:
  • provide ongoing assistance/service?
    
    • _____Yes _____No^* _____Not Sure

  • guarantee performance?
    
    • _____Yes _____No^* _____Not Sure

• Can this option be easily serviced and maintained?
  
  • _____Yes _____No^* _____Not Sure

• Is special expertise required to operate or maintain this option?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Are there significant physical facility limitations which would make implementing this option difficult (space, building code specifications, etc. - e.g.. certain types of equipment require a fire wall)?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Will this option require installment of additional utilities?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Will implementation of this option significantly disrupt production or service?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Are planning approval or other permits needed to install utilities or modify your building or site?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Will this option require any new/additional regulatory permits? (for hazardous waste treatment, Hazmat, air district approval, POTW discharge, etc.)
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

• Could this option negatively impact worker, community, or environmental safety and health?
  
  • _____Yes^* _____No _____Not Sure

Evaluation

If you answered with several "not sures," you should do some more background research before continuing.

Look at your answers to the questions above. Checks in answers with astericks (*) indicate that a feasibility problem may exist. Do any of these issues represent a "roadblock" which could make implementation of this option difficult or impossible?

Make a judgement regarding the technical feasibility of this option and decide if further evaluation should be continued. Check the appropriate answers below.

Technical Feasibility

• ____Good
  ____Average
  ____Poor

Continue with Economic and Technical Evaluations?

• ___Yes
  ___No