Description

In the present paper the economic, social and environmental benefits provided by the recycle process of the various wastes in the Greek cement plants are extensively analyzed.
The Greek Cement Industry is a vital sector of our economy. With an annual production of cement over 15.5 million tonnes (2002), it contributes significantly to the national gross domestic product (G.D.P.).
All fuels consumed by the Greek Cement Industry are imported and energy accounts for one third of the cement production cost. Therefore, it is of interest of the community and the industry to increase energy efficiency, to reduce the quantities of fuels consumed in the cement manufacturing process.
It is also known that like almost all manufacturing processes, the cement industry produces large amounts of CO2 (combustion of fuels, de-carbonization of limestone and use to electricity).
The utilization of wastes (principally as alternative fuels, scrap tires, spent solvents etc.) is compatible with the general principles of waste management and it is also a common practice in other European and developed countries.