Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate - Understanding the potential

The reduction in disposal of waste to landfill, coupled with the rise in energy-to-waste facilities, is resulting in the increased use of incineration as a treatment for the residual waste stream. Incineration of waste does generate a resulting waste stream in the form of incinerator bottom ash (IBA), which ideally requires a final use itself.

One approach to this is the use of IBA, with the addition of other materials, such as ceramics or crushed concrete, to create a secondary aggregate, IBA aggregate (IBAA), which can provide a cost-effective solution for construction. However, as with other ash or recovered materials, there are restrictions, regulations and practical considerations that need to be considered when using it.