Strategies for resource recovery from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste

Abstract

Rapid population growth and urbanization have led to the generation of huge quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW) in urban areas. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) represents up to 57 % of the municipal waste generated globally. In the context of accomplishing a bio-based circular economy, resource recovery from OFMSW has become a necessity. This study describes the different technologies that are practically used to recover valuable resources (e.g., bio-oil, biochar, biomethane) from OFMSW, such as anaerobic digestion, composting, hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis and landfilling. However, for the successful implementation of these technologies under the local conditions, it is a pre-requisite that these technologies also meet the regulatory requirements and get support and commitment from the national and local governments.