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Garnet Recycling & Return Program

While there is no such thing as a does-it-all sandblasting abrasive, GMA Garnet comes closest. GMA Garnet™ results in higher productivity and lower abrasive consumption, despite the higher initial product cost compared to slags.

The GMA Garnet Return Program offers an innovative approach to abrasive disposal, ensuring higher productivity, lower consumption, and significant environmental benefits. Discover how this program can streamline your operations while adhering to stringent environmental regulations.

A Streamlined Abrasive Disposal Solution

The GMA Garnet Return Program is designed to provide a seamless and eco-friendly way for customers to dispose of their used garnet. Instead of opting for traditional landfilling, which can be costly and environmentally damaging, customers can now return their used garnet to one of GMA’s permitted collection points located in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; Cincinnati, Ohio; Coos Bay, Oregon; and Houston, Texas.

This program is not only compliant with all state and local regulations but also simplifies the disposal process into three easy steps:

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DISPOSAL PROCESS OVERVIEW – 3 EASY STEPS

Test

Submit a garnet sample for RCRA 8 TCLP analysis to a third party and another for Sieve Analysis to GMA

Submit

Email your test results and complete a Returned Garnet Profile Form

Return

Pack, palletize and ship the garnet back.

Why Choose the GMA Garnet Return Program?

Traditional waste management methods for used abrasive can be prohibitively expensive. The GMA Garnet Return Program offers a cost-effective alternative that provides additional value to abrasive customers. With GMA’s advanced processing capabilities, used garnet is reprocessed into a high-quality abrasive, ready for reuse.

Participating in this program allows customers to streamline operations, reduce provider interactions, stay compliant with regulations, avoid hidden fees, and significantly reduce their waste footprint. This program embodies both environmental responsibility and practical efficiency, helping our customers focus on their core activities while embracing sustainable practices.

BENEFITS OF RETURNING GMA GARNET

Operational Efficiency
- Streamlined disposal process: The program simplifies the disposal process with clear guidelines and convenient collection points.
- Reduced paperwork: By handling the regulatory compliance, GMA reduces your administrative burden.
Environmental Responsibility
- Reduced waste: Returning garnet for recycling helps conserve natural resources and minimizes your company’s environmental impact.
- Compliance with regulations: The program ensures that garnet disposal is in compliance with all relevant environmental laws.
Product Quality & Performance
- Potential for recycled garnet use: GMA reprocesses returned garnet into high-quality abrasive, which you may be able to repurchase, potentially at a lower cost

How the Return Program Works

Customers send used garnet from waterjet cutting or abrasive blasting operations to one of our collection points, and we process the material in one of our state-of-the-art processing plants. Before used garnet can be returned, we must ensure it is environmentally safe to transport and process.

To ensure all loads of garnet are non-hazardous, a 100-gram sample of used garnet must be tested with a Third-Party Environmental Laboratory for Resource Conservation & Recovery ACT (RCRA 8 Metals) via Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis (RCRA 8 TCLP).

Next, a sample is submitted to the appropriate GMA laboratory for a Sieve Analysis to determine if the garnet is viable for reprocessing.

If it is suitable and safe, GMA will issue a return authorization upon completion of a simple Garnet Profile Form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does GMA do with the spent garnet?
GMA will reprocess the garnet just as we process freshly mined garnet, according to our same strict standards and testing.
Does the water in the garnet add weight?
Garnet itself does not absorb water, so any water weight is minimal and usually limited.
Do I return used garnet in bulk bags?
While returning material repackaged in bulk bags is most common, we are happy to work with customers to use the share other options that may be convenient.
What is the cost?

The cost will include TCLP analysis, transportation of the material to the GMA facility, and reprocessing costs. GMA handling fees. These costs will differ depending on transportation distances, lab fees, and other variables. Typically, costs are lower if your facility is closer to a collection point. Our beneficial use collection points are located in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; Cincinnati, Ohio; Coos Bay, Oregon; and Houston, Texas.
Do you repurchase the garnet from us?

No, GMA does not purchase the used garnet. However, allowing GMA to recycle your garnet is, in most cases, more affordable than paying for other methods of garnet disposal. We work with customers to create a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly arrangement.
How do I get sand out of a waterjet tank?

There are many ways to remove spent garnet from a waterjet tank, from shoveling the material to various automated removal systems. Contact BlastOne to discuss options for your shop.

Abrasive Recyclers

The Combi Garnet Abrasive Recycling System is a high-capacity, industrial-grade machine designed to efficiently reclaim garnet and other abrasive media. Ideal for large-scale blasting projects, this robust system boasts a modular design for easy transportation and setup. With features like a high-capacity bucket elevator, rotary trash screen, and air-wash technology, it delivers exceptional performance and minimizes waste. As an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution, the Combi system offers significant returns on investment by reducing abrasive consumption and disposal expenses.

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Why GMA Garnet?

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SURFACE QUALITY

GMA Garnet creates the required surface profile with minimal embedment or contamination, and produces higher peak density.

HIGH PRODUCTIVITY

GMA reduces your costs with significantly higher blast production rates, giving you shorter project timelines.

REDUCED CONSUMPTION

Lower your abrasive consumption by 30-50%, giving you savings in abrasive purchase costs, as well as transport, storage and disposal costs.

HEALTH & SAFETY

GMA Garnet is composed of little to no heavy metals, improving worker health and environmental working conditions.

LOW DUST BLASTING

GMA fractures less on impact, drastically improving operator visibility and reducing site contamination.

SUSTAINABILITY

GMA’s garnet recovery program offers a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for the disposal of used garnet.

Instant Abrasive Cost Calculator: Stop Losing $$$

Cheaper abrasive may not be as efficient and thus you’ll need more of it to complete the project. Calculate the true abrasive cost of your next blasting project.

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Garnet Recycling & Return Program

A Streamlined Abrasive Disposal Solution

DISPOSAL PROCESS OVERVIEW – 3 EASY STEPS