Co-processing as alternative in the final disposal of solid waste

Abstract

Coprocessing is a waste management system in which waste materials are converted into alternative fuels and/or raw materials. The objective of this study is to show coprocessing in cement production as a viable means of final disposal of waste generated in the industrialization process, together with urban solids, as an efficient method for complying with the new national solid waste policy. A study was conducted on the introduction of the coprocessing approach focusing on the materials that integrate the process, the heat capacity of the solid waste used and the savings generated by this strategy in terms of nonrenewable fossil fuels. The proposed methodology involved a systematic review of the literature in the last fifteen years. The results show that millions of tons of waste are coprocessed every year. It is concluded that coprocessing is a viable alternative for waste reduction.