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Division 1.7.3 Description of techniques for waste generation prevention and waste management

United Kingdom

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

TechniqueDescription
Waste assessment and waste management systemWaste assessment and waste management systems are used to identify feasible options for optimising prevention, reuse, recovery, recycling and final disposal of waste. Waste inventories allow for identifying and classifying type, characteristics, amount and origin of each waste fraction
Separate collection of different waste fractionsThe separate collection of different waste fractions at the points of origin and, if appropriate, intermediate storage can enhance the options for reuse or recirculation. Separate collection also includes segregation and classification of hazardous waste fractions (e.g. oil and grease residues, hydraulic and transformer oils, waste batteries, scrap electrical equipment, solvents, paints, biocides or chemical residues)
Merging of suitable residue fractionsMerging of suitable fractions of residue depending on the preferred options for reuse/recycling, further treatment and disposal
Pretreatment of process residues before reuse or recycling

Pretreatment comprises techniques such as:

  • dewatering e.g. of sludge, bark or rejects and in some cases drying to enhance reusability before utilisation (e.g. increase calorific value before incineration); or

  • dewatering to reduce weight and volume for transport. For dewatering belt presses, screw presses, decanter centrifuges or chamber filter presses are used;

  • crushing/shredding of rejects e.g. from RCF processes and removal of metallic parts, to enhance combustion characteristics before incineration;

  • biological stabilisation before dewatering, in case agricultural utilisation is foreseen

Material recovery and recycling of process residues on site

Processes for material recovery comprise techniques such as:

  • separation of fibres from water streams and recirculation into feedstock;

  • recovery of chemical additives, coating pigments, etc.;

  • recovery of cooking chemicals by means of recovery boilers, causticising, etc.

Energy recovery on- or off-site from wastes with high organic contentResidues from debarking, chipping, screening etc. like bark, fibre sludge or other mainly organic residues are burnt due to their calorific value in incinerators or biomass power plants for energy recovery
External material utilisation

Material utilisation of suitable waste from pulp and paper production can be done in other industrial sectors, e.g. by:

  • firing in the kilns or mixing with feedstock in cement, ceramics or bricks production (includes also energy recovery);

  • composting paper sludge or land spreading suitable waste fractions in agriculture;

  • use of inorganic waste fractions (sand, stones, grits, ashes, lime) for construction, such as paving, roads, covering layers etc.

The suitability of waste fractions for off-site utilisation is determined by the composition of the waste (e.g. inorganic/mineral content) and the evidence that the foreseen recycling operation does not cause harm to the environment or health

Pretreatment of waste fraction before disposalPretreatment of waste before disposal comprises measures (dewatering, drying etc.) reducing the weight and volume for transport or disposal