Properties of RDF after Prolonged Storage

Abstract

Increasing production of municipal solid waste (MSW) drives the need for its disposal in a manner that is safe for the environment and human health. However, this may require short- or long-term storage before it can be properly processed. Similarly, a way of processing waste material is necessary for the re-cultivation of dump sites. This article presents the results of an investigation into the effects of long-term open-air storage upon waste material to be turned into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) by standard methods for the assessment of MSW and RDF pellet quality including bomb calorimetry, sieve analysis, furnace drying/burning for water/ash content assessment, and pellet expansion measurements. Results of the investigation indicate that such a form of storage bears no notable negative effect on the quality of the material; the pellet expansion coefficient, heat of combustion, and ash content were all found to be approximate to pre-storage values, with positive implications for the storage of solid waste and the prospects of its subsequent processing into solid fuel. It is shown that such material can be stored in open-air conditions for prolonged periods without the loss of desired parameters. In addition, a discussion of differences between the properties of material drawn from varying depths of the pile is provided and the potential impact of the findings in the context of the production and the storage of refuse-derived fuel is assessed.