Environmental feasibility evaluation of cement co-production using classified domestic waste as alternative raw material and fuel: A life cycle perspective

Domestic waste classification provides a new idea for the low-carbon transformation of the cement industry in the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This study adopted the life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental feasibility of classified domestic waste as alternative raw material and fuel for clinker production. An area in Shandong Province was selected to investigate the impact of waste transportation. A roadmap was formulated and the calorific value of the refuse-derived fuel using classified domestic waste (RDFCDW) was calculated as 18,977.76 kJ/kg. Compared with conventional waste disposal, disposal in cement kiln had the lowest environmental impact, except for human toxicity potential (HTP). The overall environmental burden of co-production was 7.86% lower than that of conventional production, in which the impact of waste transportation was negligible. Combined with the increasing proportion of clean power applications in 2030 and 2060, the HTP could be decreased by 56.29% and 83.38%, respectively. Accordingly, cement co-production using classified domestic waste as alternative raw material and fuel is a nationally appropriate and environmentally friendly approach.