Environmental assessment of incinerator residue utilisation

In Sweden, utilisation of incinerator residues outside disposal areas is restricted by environmental concerns, as such residues commonly contain greater amounts of potentially toxic trace elements than the natural materials they replace. On the other hand, utilisation can also provide environmental benefits by decreasing the need for landfill and reducing raw material extraction. This thesis provides increased knowledge and proposes better approaches for environmental assessment of incinerator residue utilisation, particularly bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). A life cycle assessment (LCA) based approach was outlined for environmental assessment of incinerator residue utilisation, in which leaching of trace elements as well as other emissions to air and water and the use of resources were regarded as constituting the potential environmental impact from the system studied. Case studies were performed for: 1. road construction with or without MSWI bottom ash; 2. three management scenarios for MSWI bottom ash; and 3. three management scenarios for wood ash. This thesis allows estimates of long-term leaching and toxicity to be improved and demonstrates the need for broadening the system boundaries in order to highlight the trade-offs between different types of impact. For decisions on whether incinerator residues should be utilised or landfilled, the use of a life cycle perspective in combination with more detailed assessments is recommended.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?searchId=3&pid=diva2:25338
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Comprehensive summary of doctoral thesis presented to Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
• Authors:
  • Toller, S
• Publication Date: 2008-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 54p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 1046

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environment; Fills; Fly ash; Pollution; Road construction; Waste products (Cargo)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Planning and Environment; Road design and management
• Geographic Terms: Sweden
• ATRI Terms: By product; Environment; Fill; Fly ash; Pollution; Road construction
• Subject Areas: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01383885
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 22 2012 3:59PM