ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses certain contaminants and materials that are either being utilized or being considered for reuse and recycling. It presents a discussion of the suitability of organic and inorganic-contaminated soil, fly ash, coal tar, and low and intermediate radioactive waste. Metal-contaminated soil includes soil affected by geothermal mine-scale, foundry residue, steel manufacturing slag, crushed battery casings, and auto wrecking yard residue, all of which have been successfully utilized in asphalt, cement materials, and as an admixture with construction fill. Inorganic-contaminated soil essentially focuses on metals. Fly ash is primarily a by-product of coal burning plants. The objectives for solidifying or conditioning low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste via bituminization is to reduce the risk of exposing personnel to radiation, contain the radionuclides within a durable product of low leachability, reduce the volume and weight suited for safe and final disposal, and minimize transport and storage costs.
