ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF MANAGING SECONDARY WASTE FROM INCINERATION PLANT IN CONCRETE - CARBON FOOTPRINT AND ABIOTIC DEPLETION.

Abstract

The use of secondary waste from municipal solid waste incineration plant in concrete has been studied for its potential to reduce the carbon footprint and abiotic depletion associated with traditional concrete production. Fly ash is a hazardous waste and it can be used as a substitute for cement in the production of concrete. Bottom ash can be used as a substitute for light natural aggregate, which was previously soaked in water for internal treatment of concrete. The composition of concrete includes: CEM I 42.5R, CSA, basalt, sand, zeolite, additives and admixtures. Studies have shown that concrete with secondary waste can decrease CO2 emissions and abiotic depletion compared to traditional concrete. In the article 4 scenarios are introduced (1 - concrete with fly ash, 2 - concrete with bottom ash, 3 - concrete with both secondary waste, 4 - reference concrete). The tests were performed for 1 kg of concrete, in the cradle-to-gate range, excluding transport. 4th scenario has the biggest carbon footprint and abiotic depletion influence. The least impact on environmental has 3rd scenario. Closing the loop by managing secondary waste in concrete fits into Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals, especially in SDG 12 � Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG13 � Climate Action.