Resist stripper skins

Thread from IPC's ComplianceNet

Date: Tue, 19 May 1998 06:41:12 -0400
Reply-To: "ComplianceNet E-Mail Forum." , Rogelio Horta
Sender: ComplianceNet Mail Forum
From: Rogelio Horta
Organization: McCurdy Circuits
Subject: Resist stripper skins

I was wondering how other companies are handling resist stripper skins.
ROGELIO HORTA

Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 09:51:48 -0400
Reply-To: "ComplianceNet E-Mail Forum." , Holly Evans
Sender: ComplianceNet Mail Forum
From: Holly Evans
Subject: Re: Resist stripper
X-To: Rogelio Horta
In-Reply-To: D053973A018DCED1@smtp.mccurdy.com

Rogelio --

Approximately 4 years ago, the IPC tried to get U.S. EPA to acknowledge that stripped photoresist skins are not a hazardous waste in the aftermath of a Region III ruling that trled that they were an "electroplating sludge" and therefore a listed hazardous waste (F006).

Unfortunately, the EPA failed to issue a blanket exemption. Instead, facilities can avoid an F006 listing for the stripped photo resist skins only if they can ensure that two conditions are met:

1. the plating or etching equipment is not contiguous with the stripped equipment, and
2. the boards being processed in the plating or etching equipment are rinsed and dried prior to being taken to the stripper equipment.

The objective of these conditions is to minimize any lead drag-out into the stripping operation wastestream.

In addition, facilities must be prepared to demonstrate that the collected skins do not fail other hazardous waste requirements such as the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) or exhibit other characteristics of hazardous waste (e.g., corrosivity).

Some states have determined that both resist skins and precipitated resist sludge are non F006. You may want to check with your state regarding its determination.

I know that this answer does not completely address your question; however, I am hoping that it will prompt others to respond to your inquiry. Please e-mail me directly (HollyEvans@ipc.org) if you have further questions.

Regards