Methods of
Disposing of Cyanide Wastes
R. L. Kessler1 and R. W. Oyler2
General Motors Corporation
Anderson, Indiana
The Delco-Remy Division of the General Motors Corporation at
Anderson, Indiana, was built and operating before anyone gave much, if
any consideration, to waste disposal. Under such conditions the problem
is somewhat different than if a new plant were to be built today.
In the past few years the status of waste control has evolved from
that of a nuisance to a major problem of the General Motors Corporation. Today waste control must receive the same consideration as other
major engineering and manufacturing problems.
The efforts of all industrial, health, and governmental authorities
to dispose of industrial wastes are well known, and all types of disposal
plants have been discussed at technical meetings.
In speaking of a waste-disposal problem one speaks primarily about
water. Water is a necessity to the life cycle; it is capable of promoting
and sustaining life or of causing death and destruction. There is no
substitute for water. Water conservation and waste-control programs
usually go hand in hand, and the importance of both is being more fully
realized every day in all phases of national economy. Therefore, it is
evident that industrial use of water can be made only if its use is compatible with the prior or subsequent demands made upon the supply by
any form of life. The ultimate aim of all long-range disposal programs
is the return of the used water in as near the original condition as possible.
The big problem at Delco-Remy is the disposal of cyanide wastes.
For a number of years it had been the policy to dispose of such wastes
to the sewer, in predetermined quantities in proportion to the water
flow.
About three years ago it was learned that reconversion from war
production designated that a group of General Motors plants were to
have a considerable increase in cyanide plating and heat treating. As
it was necessary to start operations before the city had adequate sewage
1 Delco-Remy Division.
2 Guide Lamp Division.
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