The Verdantas team developed a study in analysis of egg waste material. This material was generated from drying operations as part of the influenza vaccine process in order to ascertain the viability of an alternative disposal method to placement in a landfill. Harmful impacts to human health and the environment were variables that were deferred to, specifically categorized by toxic or non-toxic characteristics. PADEP overlooked the manufacturing processes and instilled requirements that directed the end result into illustrating a beneficial use of the egg waste material and subsequent reuse. The egg waste material involved represented the client’s largest waste stream with an estimated amount of greater than 5,000 tons generated per year that required landfill disposal. Our team coordinated with PADEP on behalf of the Client to ensure.

In conjunction with PADEP, the firm developed a sampling plan to determine if there was a beneficial use of the egg waste material. Third party coordination with vendors and stakeholders addressed areas that could potentially impact the compost. Samples from the compost were gathered into a data set to inquire the characteristics of the egg waste product and the presence of possible toxic conditions. 

A report that was submitted to PADEP, was then finalized and concluded there were no potential hazards that could impact human health or the environment with the addition of the egg waste to the compost. In May 2022, PADEP accepted the egg waste as a compost additive and approved the modification to the client’s existing PADEP general permit to recognize the beneficial use. Plans are currently being finalized to administer reduction in the waste stream and occupied landfill space.