Every year in France, the incineration of non-hazardous waste produces more than 3 million tonnes of bottom ash. Although 84% of this is currently recycled for road-building (the remaining 16% is sent to landfill), bottom ash depends on an economic recovery model that seems to lack stability over the medium term. RECORD has produced a comprehensive overview of this sector in France and Europe. The study begins with an overview of French and European regulations relating to bottom ash. It lists the methods and tests used to characterise bottom ash. It then looks at the influence of waste composition, kiln type and operating parameters on the quality of bottom ash*. Particular attention is paid to elements such as antimony and sulphur, as well as organic matter and dioxins. The technical and financial aspects of the processing (treatment and maturation) and recovery of MIDND in road techniques are detailed in France and Europe, in order to highlight the obstacles, levers and ways of optimising the process. Based on local experience and on techniques used elsewhere in Europe, this document also lists the main avenues for other uses (e.g. in cement materials, ceramics, biogas purification) that could be considered in the near future.
* Non-hazardous waste incineration bottom ash
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