ACC plans co-processing of wastes

ACC, the leading cement producer, intends to introduce the co-processing of wastes in the kiln of its cement plant located at Bargarh in Orissa.

The company has initiated dialogue with various stakeholders like waste generators and the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), which is vested with the responsibility of regulating the wastes in the state. This proposal comes in handy for the municipalities and the urban local bodies facing shortage of land for disposal of the wastes.

After the deliberation process with various stakeholders is over, an action plan would be prepared for the purpose. The innovative co-processing concept is expected to be introduced in about next 6-9 months in the state, Ulhas V Parlikar, director, Alternate Fuels and Raw-materials (AFR) business told Business Standard.

Parlikar, who was here to participate in a seminar on co-processing of wastes in cement kilns said, under this process the wastes are first segregated and then fed into the kiln with raw material. Some related infrastructure is required to be developed along with the quality control and testing facilities.

The process assures rigorous monitoring of inputs, full compliance with the local and national environmental regulations and reduces the consumption of natural resources in cement manufacturing.

He said, the technical expertise is provided by Holcim, the pioneer in waste co-processing. Due to the continuous support by Holcim the co-processing of wastes by ACC has increased from 60,000 tonne in 2006 to 3.5 lakh tonne in 2008.

This is an eefficient process which reduces the CO2 emissions, minimises the use of land for waste disposal. wastes like expired material, industrial waste, FMCG waste, plastics, pharmaceutical wastes are being processed in the manufacturing plants located in states like Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It is likely to start in states like Tamilnadu and Karnataka.

On the prticipation of industries in co-processing of wastes in cement kilns, Parlikar said, the requirement for municipal corporations is that they must deliver their segregated wastes at the doorsteps of the cement manufacturing units of the company.