Characterization of Solid Wastes from Aluminum Tertiary Sector: The Current State of Spanish Industry

Abstract

Aluminum recycling is an important activity that allows returning this metal to the market saving energy and resources. This activity generates slag and dross, both hazardous materials, which are recovered by other industries (tertiary sector). In that process, new wastes are produced, but most of them are disposed in security storage facilities because of their hazardousness and scarce marketable value. In Spain, the statistical data analysis on waste reveals that this sector is increasing every year. This study aims to characterize the wastes generated by the tertiary aluminum industries in Spain. Samples were collected in different aluminum recycling industries and characterized by chemical analyses, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and particle size determination. Wastes rich in aluminum oxide and alkaline elements also comprise metallic aluminum and aluminum nitride. Such components are the main responsible for the waste hazardousness since they generate toxic gases in the presence of water. Besides, their fine granulometry (x 50 < 30 μm) also contributes highly to the hazardousness.