Cookson Electronics is the UK's largest solder reclaim operation and is highly experienced in the reprocessing of solder dross, paste etc, including meeting all legal and environmental obligations.
News Release from: Cookson Electronics
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 16 September 2005
It is open to question whether solder scrap, dross and waste paste should be classed a 'harmful' or 'toxic' during transportation for reprocessing. Assemblers and even waste contractors can get it wrong. Alpha-Fry Technologies analyses thousands of tonnes of solder scrap for reprocessing each year, and has concluded that, in the majority of cases, solder dross should be classified as 'toxic' rather than 'harmful', and labelled and handled accordingly.
The classification depends on the constituent metals and impurities found in the alloy and also on its form (powder/solids etc).
So as it is their responsibility to comply with the regulations, assemblers need to be aware of any potential problems caused by their waste solder products.
With environmental legislation being imposed and policed ever more rigorously, misclassification of solder waste can have serious consequences - possibly including a heavy fine.
The following are the most sensible procedures.
Solder dross should be collected and transported in UN certified, sealable bins, with the correct labelling and hazard warning (including 'skull and crossbones' symbol).
Waste solder should only be transported by ADR regulated drivers.
Solder paste is a combination of flux and solder powder and as such requires special reprocessing methods.
Waste solder paste should be segregated in a separate bin for disposal.
Wipes, contaminated with solder paste can also be considered as toxic waste.
Cookson Electronics is the UK's largest solder reclaim operation and is highly experienced in the reprocessing of solder dross, paste etc, including meeting all legal and environmental obligations for the carriage, documentation and disposal of solder waste.
To help assemblers comply with regulations, the company has introduced a new style of dross bin.
The new heavy duty bin contains a cardboard liner (to remain inside the bin) marked with a dross fill line to help better comply with COSHH and manual handling regulations.
It is strong, safe and is multi-use, being suitable for either dross, waste solder paste and contaminated wipes.
It has a hinged lid with security clasp and two riveted side handles for handling stability.
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