This paper presents the results of a pilot study of a thermal utilization installation for incinerating plastic waste. The research was conducted on an industrial scale in a plant that manufactures plastic tape (used for warning, packing and masking purposes, among others). The system was considered in terms of three aspects: energy, environmental and economic. Due to the very high LCV (lower calorific value) of the waste, an innovative rotary combustion chamber (rotary kiln) was employed. The experimental installation was analysed in terms of the temperature distribution in the rotary kiln, secondary combustion (afterburner) chamber and heat recovery system. The thermal efficiency of the tested installation was determined. The emissions into the atmosphere were measured and compared with the applicable emission standards. Due to the nature of the waste, particular attention was paid to emission analysis of carbon oxide and volatile organic compounds. In terms of the economic aspect, fundamental economic indicators were found for the tested system to determine the profitability of its construction. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.