Life cycle assessment of hazardous waste disposal in cement kilns using a Chinese localized impact assessment model

Abstract

The high temperatures, long residence times, and alkaline environment of cement kilns enable effective degradation of organic pollutants and stabilization of heavy metals, making them a highly promising solution for industrial hazardous waste disposal. This study investigates a typical co-processing cement kiln plant in China as a case study [Scenario 1 (S1)]. Applying the system expansion method, it evaluates the environmental impacts and benefits of S1 relative to those of conventional cement production combined with independent hazardous waste incineration [Scenario 2 (S2)]. This study innovatively applies a Chinese localized life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) model, based on the Goddard Earth Observing System-Chem atmospheric chemistry transport model and the global exposure mortality model exposure-response model, to analyze the health impacts of fine particulate matter formation (FPMF). The results are then compared with those obtained using the ReCiPe 2016 model. The ReCiPe model shows that S1 outperforms S2, reducing impacts by 3.4%-7.1% across the categories of human health, ecosystem quality, and fossil resource scarcity. Applying the localized LCIA model, yielded an FPMF environmental impact over 3.4 times that calculated by the ReCiPe model, and a total environmental impact over 1.7 times that. This study underscores the need for localized LCIA models with high spatiotemporal resolution to better capture domestic heterogeneity. Such models can enable more precise industrial decision-making and inform policies on seasonal operation strategies, region-specific environmental access mechanisms, and coordinated regional approaches within the hazardous waste co-processing industry.

Keywords

Life cycle assessment / localized impact assessment model / hazardous waste disposal / cement kiln

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