Plastic waste burning trial at cement factory prompts backlash

An Adelaide cement factory has received regulatory approval to conduct a six-week trial involving the increased burning of plastic waste as fuel, sparking concerns among local officials and residents who fear potential health risks. The Adbri cement plant at Port Adelaide, which has operated for decades amid ongoing disputes over its environmental impact, has been granted permission by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to use higher quantities of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). This fuel, primarily sourced from the construction industry, will be burned in the factory’s calciner at a maximum rate of 32 tonnes per hour, with a 20 percent concentration of plastic. The trial begins this week, with the EPA stating that the increased usage is unlikely to continue beyond the test period. The trial comes amid growing unease among local leaders and community groups. Port Adelaide Enfield Council has already sought urgent legal counsel regarding the possibility of challenging the EPA’s decision through an injunction. The council is also calling for independent oversight of the trial, in addition to the existing EPA monitoring, and for continuous 24-hour stack monitoring to ensure transparency. Council Mayor Claire Boan expressed deep concern over the lack of comprehensive national data proving the safety of such operations for the surrounding population. “We have not seen nationwide data of any kind whatsoever that actually explains this is safe for our community,” she stated during an interview with 891 ABC Adelaide’s morning program. She emphasized that her focus is not on shutting down the facility, which has existed for over a century, but rather on ensuring the well-being of residents who live near the plant. Residents have raised specific issues related to proximity and pollution. Tony Bazeley, a longstanding member of the Port Adelaide Residents Environment Protection Group, noted that the factory is located just 50 meters from residential areas and that odor complaints have been common in the past. He criticized the company for prioritizing financial gain over public health, saying, “RDF is being used because it’s of financial benefit to the company.” Bazeley added that the group seeks more detailed information about the long-term implications of the trial and believes the company lacks transparency in its communication. “They do put out information, but it’s very general,” he said. “We won’t know any of the results until well after the trial, and that’s just not good enough.” Adbri, the operator of the plant, defended the trial, emphasizing that the RDF used meets strict EPA standards and undergoes rigorous quality control measures. The company highlighted that using RDF has helped divert at least 2.7 million tonnes of landfill waste and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. According to a spokesperson, the RDF used in the trial is a highly processed fuel designed specifically for industrial applications. The company maintains that the high temperatures inside the kiln, reaching 1,400 degrees Celsius, will ensure complete combustion of all materials, including plastics, paper, and wood, resulting in minimal emissions. The EPA has outlined specific monitoring protocols to oversee the trial. Compliance director Steven Sergi explained that emissions of various particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides will be tracked both at the factory’s stack and in the surrounding area. He stressed that due to the intense heat of the kiln, the agency expects no detectable emissions of plastics. “There are clear parameters set in the license,” he said. “As soon as those parameters are exceeded, especially concerning air quality, the trial will stop immediately.” Unannounced inspections will be conducted throughout the trial period, with a final report expected within 90 days of its conclusion. Residents and local officials remain skeptical despite these assurances. They argue that the absence of long-term health studies and the proximity of the plant to residential areas justify their concerns. With the trial underway, the outcome could influence future policies on industrial waste management and environmental regulation in the region.