Indicator 2.10 - Quantity and Treatment of Waste

Alcoa Fjardaál and Landsvirkjun have a direct effect on how byproducts are treated on site, and can therefore make sure that this is done in accordance with the aims of Icelandic authorities. Both companies keep a strict schedule on the disposal of waste and aim for the highest possible percentage of recycling.

Waste categorisation at Alcoa Fjardaál

Performance

a. Quantity and treatment of solid waste left/landfilled in the project areas

Exact figures on the total amount of waste are not available. Concrete and neutral waste was landfilled in mining areas on project sites. When the sites were being finished, it was required that at least 4 m of soil covered the concrete and also that landscaping was in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The East Iceland Health Authority is responsible for surveillance on the waste associated with the project areas.

b. Quantity of wastes for landfill (in tons)

* Fljótsdalur Station had not started operations.
** Generally, all uncategorised waste goes to landfill.
***Most of this waste are organic byproducts from kitchen, coffee rooms, and organic waste from water cleaning system.

c. Amount of wastes sold or recycled annually, in metric tons

* Fljótsdalur Station had not started operations
**Timber, metals, tires and all hazardous waste is sent to recycling
***A large part of the wastes are anode butts which are recycled in Norway for the production of new anodes for Fjardaál.

d. Total amount of spent pot lining (SPL) per ton of aluminum produced annually (in kg/metric ton)

*2011 is the first year that SPL is sent for recycling.
**The total quantity of SPL was 318.5 tons, or 0.93 kg of SPL per produced ton of aluminum. The total aluminum production in 2011 was 340,742.13 tonn.

Source: Alcoa Fjarðaál 2008-2011, Landsvirkjun 2008 and Bechtel 2007.

Last updated in March 2012.

Metrics, Targets & Monitoring Protocol

Metrics: What is measured?

1. Total quantity of waste submitted to Mid-Hérad Waste Disposal Station plus the quantity used for landfill in the Kárahnjúkar Power Project area. (Project effect: direct)
2. Total wastes landfilled annually, in metric tons. (Project effect: direct).
3. Total wastes sold or recycled annually, in metric tons. (Project effect: direct).
4. Total amount of spent pot lining (SPL) per ton of aluminum produced annually, in kg/metric ton. (Project effect: direct).
   

Targets (AWAITING CLARIFICATION BEFORE TRANSLATION)

1. Úrgangur sendur til sorpeyðingar eða urðun úrgangs
2. 1. Fjarðaál: Enginn úrgangur verði urðaður.
   2. Kárahnjúkavirkjun: Enginn úrgangur verði skilinn eftir eða urðaður á virkjunarsvæði við lok framkvæmda (annað en steypa frá byggingartíma).
3. Endurvinnsla
4. 1. Fljótsdalsstöð: Endurvinnsla uppfylli að lágmarki endurvinnslumöguleika á svæðinu.
   2. Fjarðaál: Allur úrgangur verði seldur eða endurunninn.
5. Fjarðaál: 100 % kerbrota verði endurnotuð/endurunnin.

Monitoring Protocol  (AWAITING CLARIFICATION BEFORE TRANSLATION)

1. Upplýsingum verði safnað jafnóðum úr mánaðarlegum skýrslum frá verktökum á virkjunarsvæði
2. Upplýsingum verði safnað jafnóðum úr losunarskýrslum.
3. Upplýsingum verði safnað jafnóðum.

Rationale for Indicator Selection

Icelandic laws and regulations are the foundation of Icelandic policy for waste management. Most of
these laws are based on EU directives. The main objectives of this policy include decreasing the total
quantity of waste generated, increasing recycling and recovery, and reducing the quantity of waste
deposited in landfills.

Alcoa Fjardaál and Landsvirkjun have direct control over the solid waste at their facility and can therefore
control the generation and waste disposal so that it complies with government policy.