As part of the sustainable resource management policy, this proposal aims to evaluate the feasibility of resource recovery from pesticide containers through use as an alternative fuel source for the cement industry. Despite the EPA advocating triple-rinse practices, many obstacles exist in the management of discarded plastic pesticide containers, including the emission of volatile organic compounds and odors during recycling, treatment of trace amounts of remaining pesticide, and the final destination for the recycled plastic. Due to the high energy content of the waste agricultural plastics, use as an alternative energy source for cement kilns to replace expensive fossil fuels is a possibility worth investigating. The high temperatures, prolonged exposure time, and alkaline environment promote complete degradation of the plastic as well as remaining pesticide, thus leading to a decrease in environmental pollution while making efficient use of the energy from the plastics and reducing energy costs. To solve the current dilemma regarding pesticide container recycling, we propose in this study to investigate pesticide containers as an alternative fuel source for cement kilns, monitor the environmental impacts, and provide a guideline for future industrial applications. We have completed a nationwide and worldwide survey of pesticide container recycling programs and analyzed case studies of pesticide containers as alternative fuel for cement kilns. A pilot run has been completed using two proportions (0.5% and 1.3%) of plastic pesticide containers as alternative energy source. Sampling and analysis of several air pollutants have also been completed with no harmful environmental impacts. An economic feasibility assessment revealed potential for commercialization, and a manual has been compiled for cement kilns using pesticide containers as an alternative fuel source. The results of this study shall aid us in proceeding toward the goal of increasing the recycling of resources and decreasing air pollution.

Pesticide Containers, Cement Plant, Alternative Fuel