General Wastes

[Paper recycling]

Kyushu Electric promotes paper recycling by collecting old documents and other used paper from special boxes placed at every office.

A total of 642 tons of used paper was collected in fiscal 1999, 122 tons more than the previous year.

• Collection of used paper at Kyushu Electric

Collection method		Amount collected (tons)
Used paper collection boxes		172
Sorting used paper	Newspapers, magazines	167
	Cardboard	78
	Others	108
Sorting old documents twice a year		117
Total		642

• Amount of used paper collected at Kyushu Electric

Efforts are also made to reduce use and purchase of paper. Almost all the paper used for photocopiers and toilet paper at Kyushu Electric is now recycled paper.

• Use of recycled paper (FY 1999)

	Photocopy paper	Toilet paper
Amount of paper used	487 tons	32.5 rolls
Amount of recycled paper used	458 tons	31.4 rolls
Ratio of recycled paper used	94%	97%

[Recycling technology R & D]

•	Application of hydroponics to agricultural produce using coal ash

Ashball, made from burned and solidified coal ash generated at thermal plants, has superior drainage and aeration characteristics, and potential as an excellent alternative to soil for cultivating produce such as tomatoes and strawberries. Kyushu Electric is currently conducting research into practical application of such hydroponics technology to cultivate quality fresh farm produce.

Ashball has better drainage and is lighter and more durable than rock wool (also known as asbestos mat), a common soil substitute. It also costs one-quarter the price of rock wool. Kyushu Electric aims to make ashball available for commercial use as soon as possible.

Application of hydroponics to agricultural produce using coal ash

• Research into blocks using coal ash
A research project is under way to develop artificial porous materials by combining coal ash and powdery substances that are byproducts from the process of recycling old concrete utility poles. Kyushu Electric is also investigating the feasibility of using the artificial porous material for pipes, blocks, and plant pots.	Coal ash recycled products

•	Research into organic compost using waste

Kyushu Electric has been conducting research into producing compost from power station waste such as shells, jellyfish, cut weeds and other waste. Basic experiments have been conducted to make compost by fermenting pruned tree branches and cut weeds naturally. Other experiments were in progress in fiscal 2000 to find the best method of composting a mix of pruned tree branches, cut weeds, shells, jellyfish and other waste.

Research into organic compost using waste disposal products

•High-fluidity concrete for coastal blocks

Kyushu Electric has conducted on-site follow-up surveys on coastal blocks made of high-fluidity concrete with a great coal ash content, which are high in strength. When used in coastal areas, the high-fluidity concrete blocks showed much better resistance against erosion than those made of conventional concrete. Kyushu Electric will continue making studies on erosion to evaluate the blocks' overall performance.

High-fluidity concrete and conventional concrete blocks after exposure test