An innovative IoT-oriented prototype platform for the management and valorisation of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste

Abstract

Abstract This research paper is focused on the upscaling of previous studies of authors group about the stabilization, inertization and valorisation of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW). The developed process first involves the development of an original process in order to transform the organic waste into an inert and sterilized material and, successive incorporation of the treated-OFMSW into a catalysed water soluble Urea Formaldehyde (UF) based resin. In particular, in this research work we report on the design and realization of a prototype platform able to produce inertized and valorised panels, starting from OFMSW. The platform is managed by Arduino-based electronic sections for controlling process parameters and integrated with user’s recognition and product traceability system based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Several panels were produced, by transforming different amounts and typology of OFMSW, in order to select the best composition, as a compromise between the production of panels with adequate mechanical properties and the usage of the lowest UF resin content. Mechanical and thermal characterization of the realized products was performed looking at potential applications of the panel. Finally, the RFID-based traceability system, managed by a properly developed software platform, allows to identify and store in the database the enabled users which give the OFMSW in the machinery and to track the produced panels or bricks, by using suitable wide-band low-cost passive UHF tags, thereby ensuring targeted and optimal management of the re-use or storage of the valorised products. In particular, the proposed system includes an innovative ICT part that uses UHF RFID technology, low-cost sensors and a Cloud platform capable to manage all collected data related to both disposed waste and bricks produced by transformation procedure.