The application of radioactive waste solidification processes to industrial hazardous waste (HDW) has been studied. An investigation to identify the most significant HDW types currently produced in Italy was carried out, and samples were collected from various producing industries to use in an experimental solidification program. The solidification processes have been divided into two categories: (1) processes using polymers as binders (polyester resins and urea-formaldehyde), applicable to the solidification of HDW of mixed organic-inorganic nature; and (2) processes using cement, applicable to HDW of inorganic nature.

The applicability of the mentioned solidification processes to some representative HDW was studied by establishing for each the best waste-to-binder ratio. Mechanical strengths and heavy metal releases were then determined. HDW incorporation in cement and in polyester resins is feasible, and the solidified final product satisfies the regulatory requirements. On the contrary, the incorporation in urea-formaldehyde resins is not applicable. The solidification costs have been calculated.