Value-added products from waste: Slow pyrolysis of used polyethylene-lined paper coffee cup waste

The objectives of this study were to examine how to recycle cup waste efficiently and effectively and to determine if cup waste can be converted into liquid, solid, and gas value-added products by slow pyrolysis. The characteristics and potential utilizations of the pyrolysis products were investigated. The study included the effects of temperature, heating rate, and different feedstocks. The yield of pyrolysis oil derived from cup waste increased from 42% at 400°C to 47% at 600°C, while the yield of char decreased from 26% at 400°C to approximately 20% at 600°C. Acetic acid and levoglucosan were identified as the main components of the pyrolysis oil. The char obtained at 500°C was physically activated at 900°C for 3 h with CO₂. The adsorption capacity of the activated char was investigated with model compounds, such as methyl orange, methylene blue, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of the activated char was similar to that of commercial activated carbon produced from peat. The higher heating value of the produced gas stream calculated at 400°C was 19.59 MJ/Nm³. Also, conventional slow pyrolysis (CSP) and microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) technologies were compared to determine the differences in terms of products yields, composition and characteristics of the pyrolysis oil, and their potential applications. The CSP yields higher liquid products than MAP. Also, the pyrolysis oil obtained from the CSP had significantly more levoglucosan and acetic acid compared to that of the MAP.