<Akita> Strengthening Acceptance System for Lead/PCB-containing Paint Waste and Low-concentration PCBs

Ecosystem Kosaka Co., Ltd. (Kosaka-machi, Akita Prefecture; Representative Director: Ryuji Ito), a subsidiary of DOWA Ecosystem Co., Ltd. (President: Yasuharu Yanai), has strengthened its system for accepting difficult-to-treat waste such as lead/PCB-containing paint waste.

Background In construction and maintenance projects for bridges and equipment, old paint layers often contain lead or low-concentration PCBs, requiring strict management as specially controlled industrial waste depending on their concentration. As infrastructure renewal progresses, the need for proper disposal of such waste is increasing.

Against this backdrop, Ecosystem Kosaka acquired additional permits in fiscal year 2025 for waste that does not contain low-concentration PCBs (Non-PCB waste), in addition to its existing permits for low-concentration PCB waste. This acquisition has enabled the strengthening of the acceptance system for difficult-to-treat waste such as lead-containing paint waste.

Details of Permit Changes The five types of ordinary industrial waste newly permitted in fiscal year 2025 are 'cinder,' 'sludge,' 'slag,' 'construction debris,' and 'dust.' Additionally, for specially controlled industrial waste, it is now possible to process slag containing lead and cadmium, in addition to cinder, sludge, and dust containing lead, cadmium, and dioxins.

Strengths of Ecosystem Kosaka Leveraging the appropriate treatment technology, safety management system, and smelting routes cultivated through automotive shredder dust recycling, Ecosystem Kosaka is strengthening its ability to handle difficult-to-treat waste containing heavy metals and dioxins, such as lead/PCB-containing paint waste.

1. Able to process both low-concentration PCB waste and Non-PCB waste Because the company can handle both, it can accept diverse waste generated at construction sites all at once.

2. Realization of lead recycling as smelting raw material Even for high-concentration lead paint waste that is difficult to accept through general disposal routes, the company has secured a route to utilize it as smelting raw material within the DOWA Group, contributing to waste reduction and resource circulation.

3. Safe and reliable management system based on permits The company acquired the 'Excellent Certification' for industrial waste disposal in 2016 and performs safe and secure processing.

Future Outlook Ecosystem Kosaka will further expand its response to difficult-to-treat waste and accelerate efforts toward the realization of a circular society.