An overview for the utilization of wastes from stainless steel industries

Significant quantities of wastes are generated as the waste materials or byproducts every day from stainless steel processes. According to the origins and characteristics, the stainless steel wastes can be mainly classified into two categories, slags and dusts. They usually contained considerable quantities of valuable metals and materials. This paper summarized and analyzed the generation, composition, characteristics and the leaching behaviors of the most of wastes obtained from the stainless steel processes. On this basis, a review of several methods for treating the various stainless steel wastes was made. It is very essential not only for recycling the valuable metals and mineral resources but also for protecting the environment.