What is Waste Derived Fuel?

Materials used at Buzzi Unicem USA – Alternative Fuels as an energy source are often RCRA regulated wastes as defined by the EPA due to the materials ignitability.  Many materials that no longer have a commercial value and meet one of the EPA’s RCRA waste characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity) such as paint and coatings, pharmaceuticals, oil, petrochemicals, and other industrial and household solvents have substantial Btu value and can be safely burned in a cement kiln as a replacement to coal or other non-renewable fossil fuels.

Utilization of waste materials as a fuel replacement requires a permit with very stringent requirements.  Kilns must demonstrate a destruction removal efficiency (DRE) meeting or exceeding 99.99%.  With extremely high kiln temperatures, and long residence time, utilizing wastes as a fuel source is a safe and effective method for managing a multitude of waste materials.

Materials such as shredded paper, plastics, cardboard, rubber, carpet, tires, feed grains, wind turbine blades, pharmaceuticals, and others, are also utilized by Buzzi Unicem USA as a source of fuel in cement manufacturing.