Destruction of the hexachlorobenzene (HCB) stockpile

Fortum Recycling & Waste and the Australian manufacturing company Orica developed a solution for safe, permanent and environmentally sound destruction for the hexachlorobenzene (HCB) stockpile originating from Orica’s previous operations.

PROJECT AUSTRALIA

Finnish cleantech export
The project has showcased Fortum's ability to serve customers’ most demanding waste management needs, even on a global scale. In addition, it has also been an excellent case for Finland to show its capabilities in cleantech export and contribute responsibly to solving a longstanding international environmental issue.

Fortum Recycling & Waste has proven world-class technology, expertise and experience in safe destruction of international hazardous waste in accordance with stringent conditions set for the protection of human health and the environment.

Waste by-product stockpiled on site for over 30 decades
Orica’s HCB waste was produced as a waste by-product of now discontinued solvent and plastics manufacturing processes at the Botany Industrial Park, Australia between 1963 and 1991. There was in total  15,000 tonnes of HCB safely and securely stockpiled at the site. Most of this volume will be treated at Fortum’s high temperature incineration facility in Riihimäki, Finland.

Project's lifespan expected to last for several years
The first shipment arrived in Finland in early 2017.  The project is ongoing and scheduled to be completed over approximately five years, as part of Fortum’s ongoing hazardous waste treatment operations in Riihimäki. 

Key Facts

  • The export of 8000-10000 tons of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) waste to Finland for safe and permanent destruction by Fortum at the Riihimäki high-temperature incineration plant
  • The HCB waste originated from Orica’s former solvent and plastic manufacturing plants
  • The first shipment of waste was delivered and treated in Finland in early 2017