Exploring the need for creating a standardized approach to managing nanowaste based on similar experiences from other wastes

Abstract

Engineered nanomaterials have been used in commerce for approximately the last 15 years, but the problem of disposal and associated impacts of disposal of nanowaste or products containing engineered nanomaterials is likely to be a significant and growing environmental challenge over time. Similar examples exist with a long-term problem regarding electronic waste (e-waste) and a developing issue with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) scrap. Much attention has been paid in recent years to the e-waste problem, and more attention is now focusing on CFRP scrap, especially with recycling efforts; however, no standard approach to handling nanowaste (pure engineered nanomaterials, products containing engineered nanomaterials, or products contaminated with engineered nanomaterials) has been developed primarily due to a lack of a unifying driving force in the nanotechnology community to push development of standards forward. Lessons learned from electronics and carbon composites can be applied to nanomaterials in order to create a better picture of how nanowaste can be tackled.