Expanding Cement Recycling Resources Requires Local Cooperation, Experts Say

Domestic cement industry experts have called for strengthening local cooperation systems to expand the use of recycling resources. Utilizing waste as alternative fuel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions while alleviating waste disposal burdens. However, addressing environmental concerns of nearby residents is seen as the top priority.

During a special session on cement at the fall academic conference of the Korean Society for Waste Resource Recycling held at Sonokam Gyeongju on November 12, experts shared these views.

Dr. Jo Woo-ri from Jeju National University, presenting on "Recycling Resources in the Cement Industry," stated, "There is no substitute for cement, a key construction material. Expanding recycling resources by replacing coal with combustible waste is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and replace entirely imported coal."

He identified the urgent need for establishing a cooperative system among cement factories, local governments, and residents to expand recycling resources. Dr. Jo emphasized, "Like in Europe and Japan, we must maintain a pleasant local environment through cooperative relationships with communities. Encouraging the use of recycling resources benefits both companies and local residents."

However, the expansion of recycling resources in the domestic cement industry has sparked controversy. Companies are gradually increasing the replacement rate of coal with recycling resources, but residents near factories are concerned about the environmental burden from incoming waste, including odors.

The implementation of the "Ban on Direct Landfilling of Household Waste in the Capital Region" this year has exacerbated these conflicts. This regulation prohibits the landfill of volume-based household waste generated in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi without sorting or incineration. Major local governments are even considering imposing a "Resource Recycling Facility Tax" on waste brought to cement factories, highlighting the need for cooperation in the cement industry.

Experts also noted the positive effects of using alternative fuels. Dr. Kim Dong-chan from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology stated, "The replacement rate of coal with combustible waste is about 35%, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 5 million tons annually. We need to increase the use of recycling resources to enhance reduction effects, similar to advanced European countries."

He also mentioned that the quality of cement is not adversely affected by the use of alternative fuels. "The use of alternative fuels has been assessed not to hinder the quality of clinker and cement. A regression analysis of 340 cases from a domestic cement company showed that the amount of alternative fuel used did not have a significant impact, and compressive strength was not diminished," he said.

Professor Kim Jin-man from Gongju National University also emphasized that the harmfulness of cement utilizing recycling resources has not been confirmed. He stated, "Most odors and indoor pollutants were undetectable, and all major harmful heavy metals were absent from the samples."