Estrategias para minimizar la producción de residuos peligrosos y maximizar la recuperación de materiales: un análisis del flujo de materiales en Continental Tire Andina S.A.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to minimize the production of hazardous waste and maximize the recovery of materials in the tire industry, Continental Tire Andina S.A., through a material flow analysis of the productive and non-productive processes that generate hazardous waste. A qualitative material flow analysis of the entire plant process and a quantitative material flow analysis was carried out over a period of one month, with the areas that produce the greatest amount of hazardous waste, including the productive process of mixing and relating it to the non-productive processes: laboratory, cleaning, maintenance and operation, using the STAN software.The areas and causes of hazardous waste generation in the plant were identified and 8 management strategies grouped into three scenarios were established: operational optimization, technical innovation and control of priority waste. Each of the scenarios was evaluated technically, environmentally and economically, with the best alternative being scenario 3, which includes management improvement strategies, process changes and material substitution, resulting in a reduction of 14 407,61 kg of hazardous waste and generating savings of US$3 760,3 per month in its treatment. This scenario stands out for the positive environmental impact it generates and the balance between technical and economic aspects.