Scientific Association of the European Talc Industry aisbl

Having contributed to providing the final product with technical and environmental advantages, talc remains in these products when they are disposed of. Talc's chemical inertness ensures it does not become a hazardous contaminant, whatever its final destination:

In landfill (paper, plastics, coatings)

Talc remains in its matrix as long as the matrix exists. Once the organic matrix has broken down, it becomes an inert component within the landfill.

Incineration

Garbage is incinerated at 850°C and creates energy, cinder (~50 kg/tonne) and fly ash (~25 kg/tonne} which is collected by electrostatic filters.

Talc concentrates mainly in the fly ash, with a small amount in the cinder. Fly ash is often recycled in cement production. It may also be agglomerated with cement and deposited in landfills. Cinders are used for technical ballast, e.g. to build roads. In both states, talc is inert and not leachable.

In soil (sludge from sewage treatment, agricultural uses)

After the break-down of organic components, talc becomes a natural and neutral component of the soils, improves their porosity, thereby helping the development of roots. It has no fertilising effect.

In water (paper recycling, paints, certain agricultural applications)

Water discharge is not a common way to eliminate products containing talc but, in some circumstances, talc can be washed out by rainwater (old weathered paints or fertilisers for instance). In this case, talc is inert and extremely diluted and cannot affect the respiration of water life. Talc joins clays and sand as a normal component of river or sea sediments. It does not contribute to eutrophication.

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