Air Pollution Control Residues (APCR)
Air Pollution Control Residues (APCR) are the residues from the combustion of waste associated with the removal of fine particulates (also known as Fly Ash) and neutralisation of flue gases. Boiler ash residues are generally included in this stream.
The residual ash resulting from the controlled combustion of waste is known as Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA). Details associated with this waste stream are separately listed via the link.
Context and Tonnage Produced
APCR can comprise:
- Boiler tube ashes
- Fine particulates
- Carbon
- Lime
The amount of materials produced will reflect the material being combusted and the associated clean-up required of the flue gases. It can be hazardous in nature, or can be further processed or stabilised to allow it to be ladfilled in a non-hazardous landfill and/or SNRHW cell in such a landfill. For lime-based material it is often reused for neutralisation of acidic wastes and is used in the production of lightweight secondary aggregate (marketed as Manufactured Limestone or M-LS)[1].
The total tonnage amounted to around 635,000 tonnes in 2024 (percentage range in table below) being the collective outputs.
In some cases a proportion of the APCR are incorporated into the IBA in some processes which leads to lower tonnages reported.
Air Pollution Control Residues % by Type of Incinerator
Type of Incinerator | Average (%) | Maximum (%) |
|---|---|---|
3.3 | 10.2 | |
3.2 | 29.5 | |
7.8 | 11.3 | |
4.4 | 7.8 |
Notes
- The figures come from analysis of individual incinerators' annual reports in 2024[2] and is the APCR divided by the Total Combusted
- The percentage can vary considerably based on the waste incinerated and the type of combustion approach
- The High Temperature analysis includes only East Kent , Ellesmere Port, and Fawley
- The max in Biomass is an outlier from Wilton 10
References:
- OCO Technology Website
- Incinerator Annual Reports
