Recycling/Disposal Issues Of Refractories

The US Bureau of Mines' Tuscaloosa Research Centre is conducting a review of the use of different types of refractories, current industrial practices used to recycle/dispose of them, and future concerns associated with them. Landfill has been and remains the disposal means of choice for used refractory liners. Issues such as environmental regulations, product stewardship programs, concerns over landfill disposal, and future liability have brought about increased emphasis for recycling or alternate use of these materials. Information on refractory consumption and the issues associated with recycling or disposing of used materials will be discussed, including current recycling practices.