Case Study: Avago Technologies achieves cost savings and expanded solvent recycling with Veolia North America

Veolia Reduces Costs, Increases Sustainability Programs for Avago

Avago Technologies, a semiconductor manufacturer, faced rising costs and regulatory burdens from mixed waste solvents used in its fabrication process. In 2008 Veolia North America proposed separating and reusing a blend of acetone and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) instead of sending all solvent to fuels blending, and supported the effort with solvent collection/recycling services and its CIMS reporting tool.

Veolia North America’s approach involved collecting acetone/IPA in 330‑gallon totes while Avago installed valve and piping work and on-site distillation to divert the blend; Veolia picks up totes weekly and manages reporting through CIMS. The program increased diversion from about 45% in 2009 to the upper 70s, generated revenue that offset infrastructure costs, removed the acetone/IPA from biennial EPA hazardous‑waste reporting via beneficial reuse, reduced handling and safety risks, and helped Avago maintain its Colorado Environmental Leadership gold status.

Avago Technologies

Jamie Rubin

EHS Consultant