Technology development and challenges for the transformation of municipal solid waste into sustainable energy production

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal methods that are not under control, such as open burning, unrestricted incineration, landfilling and dumping into water bodies, pose a severe hazard to the environment and public health. As a result, the development of cheap and ecologically suitable disposal methods is currently extensively demanded by the expanding contemporary communities across the globe. However, the heterogeneous structure and variable physicochemical qualities are a key technical impediment to a total transformation in present conversion methods. Under a green biorefinery strategy, an organic-rich portion of MSW might serve as a low-cost, readily accessible substrate for making fuel and high-value chemicals. The present review examines the new issues in municipal solid waste production and management and the generation of diverse bioproducts with added value. In addition, the conversion of organic waste materials into a variety of biofuels, such as liquids, solids, gases, and power, is discussed in this paper. The most up-to-date methods for turning organic waste into high value bioproducts like compost and organic acids are thoroughly examined. The biorefinery technique is bolstered by converting organic solid waste to high value bioproducts that reduce waste, increase energy output, and provide additional healthcare commodities. As a result, it can be said that recycling MSW into high value bioproducts and biofuels will aid in reaching high levels of energy security, environmental protection, and a more robust bioeconomy.