Cement Kilns Destruction Efficiency of Persistent Substances

The purpose and scope of the project is to undertake a study to determine the destruction efficiency (DE) and destruction and removal efficiency (DRE), for specified POPs and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, in relevant waste related materials, at two UK cement kilns that use waste as a fuel.

This will be achieved by feeding representative waste materials containing high levels of the relevant POPs and PFAS into the process and measuring their presence in all products, residues, emissions and releases that are outputs of the process, without compromising cement clinker quality.

The project will also quantify releases or emissions of chemicals indicative of sub-optimal or incomplete destruction of POPs and PFAS.

The work will involve:

• In year 1, preparing the sampling plan for testing in year 2. This will require identifying and obtaining suitable waste materials, containing sufficient POPs and PFAS, visiting participating cement kilns to understand processes and access points, and identifying suitable laboratories and analytical methods. This should be completed by the end of February 2026.
• In year 2, undertaking testing, sampling and laboratory analysis for the first cement kiln. This should be completed, with an interim report submitted, by the end of February 2027.
• In year 3, adapting the approach as needed from the previous year, and undertaking testing, sampling and laboratory analysis for the second cement kiln. This should be completed with a final report submitted by the end of February 2028.