Role of refuse-derived fuel in circular economy and sustainable development goals

Abstract

Refused derived fuel (RDF) is one of the products of the MSWs that is effectively used as an energy source, especially in the cement industry. This work discusses the role of the RDF in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the circular economy. Moreover, the barriers that challenge the widespread of the RDF are indicated. The RDF positively contributes to the most SDGs. However, the main contribution would be in SDG l: no poverty, SDG 3: good health and well-being, SDG 6: SDG 6: clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: affordable and clean Energy, SDG 8 decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: responsible consumption and production, SDG 14: life below water and SDG 15: life on land. While in the main contribution of the circular economy comes from its ability to reuse municipal solid wastes, industrial solid waste, non-recyclable plastics, waste tires, biomass, paper/card, waste oils, and waste textiles. In addition, RDF will reduce the CO2 by up to 2155.3 106 Kt CO2/year and recover heat content from 2 to 5.5 Gcal/t. Moreover, the RDF will save up to 15% of the fuel that equals 4.92 tons/h. Such fuel reduction will save 486 USD/h in petcoke costs, with 2.27 tons/h of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere at a net saving of 389 USD/h. The results guide academic researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to evaluate solid wastes as alternative fuels concerning their overall sustainability and cheapness. Moreover, this work introduces some future research directions to involve solid wastes in circular economy and SDGs. Furthermore, a set of indicators are proposed to guide the stakeholder to increase the RDF contribution to SDGs and lower the possible trade-off.