Characterization Of Municipal Solid Waste Research Articles

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

Reuse and recycling are preferred strategies in waste management to ensure the high position of waste resources in the waste management hierarchy. However, challenges are still pronounced in many developing countries, where disposal as a final solution is prevalent, particularly for municipal solid waste. On the other hand, refuse-derived fuel as a means of energy recovery provides a sustainable option for managing mixed, contaminated and residual municipal solid waste (MSW). This study provides one of the earliest assessments of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from MSW in Ghana through a case study in the cities of Accra and Kumasi. The residual/reject fractions (RFs) of MSW material recovery were characterized for thermochemical energy purposes. The studied materials had the potential to be used as RDF. The combustible portions from the residual fractions formed good alternative fuel, RDF, under the class I, II-III classification of the EN 15359:2011 standards. The RDF from only combustible mixed materials such as plastics, paper and wood recorded a significant increase in the lower heating value (28.66–30.24 MJ/kg) to the mass RF, with the presence of organics (19.73 to 23.75 MJ/kg). The chlorine and heavy metal content met the limits set by various standards. An annual RDF production of 12 to 57 kilotons is possible from the two cities. This can offset 10–30% of the present industrial coal consumption, to about 180 kiloton/yr CO2 eq emissions and a net cost saving of USD 8.7 million per year. The market for RDF as an industrial alternative fuel is developing in Ghana and similar jurisdictions in this context. Therefore, this study provides insights into the potential for RDF in integrated waste management system implementation for socioeconomic and environmental benefits. This supports efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a circular economy.

Potential Assessment of Combustible Municipal Wastes in Morocco and their Ability to Produce Bio-Oil by Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis of combustible municipal solid waste (MSW) is an environmentally friendly waste to energy process that produces an ecological bio-oil with a high-energy value. However, the challenge is to obtain the desired products in considerable quantities, of good quality, and at low cost. The present work objective is to evaluate combustible MSW potential available in Morocco and their recovery in bio-oil produced by pyrolysis. An evaluation was conducted based on the MSW characterization for different Moroccan cities. It shows that Morocco has significant potential in good quality RDF, having a high calorific value and a low environmental impact. The yield of bio-oil that can be produced by pyrolysis of the dry part of municipal waste for different Moroccan cities was estimated using an appropriate model. The average total bio-oil yield estimated for each city is 45 wt%. Besides, the high calorific value fraction of bio-oil derived from Moroccan RDF will cover ~45% of the country's fuel-oil needs.

Characterization and energy potential of municipal solid waste in Osogbo metropolis

The emission of methane from dumpsites remains a significant source of global environmental pollution concern. This study investigated the physical composition and volume of municipal solid waste at the central dumpsite, Egbedi, Osogbo metropolis. The volume of landfill gas and concentration of methane gas that will be produced via anaerobic digestion over a specified period towards the possibility of energy recovery were also estimated. Results from the characterization of the municipal solid waste revealed that organic materials constitute the highest fraction (35.71 %). The energy content of the organic material was determined to be 21,582.8 kJ/kg. The methane generation potential from 2017 to 2025 was estimated to be around 41,125 tonnes by employing the method proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Methane gas emitted can be harvested and utilized as a renewable source of energy thereby mitigating pollution environmental occasioned by the release of methane into the atmosphere from dumpsites most especially from developing countries towards ensuring a sustainable city. • Waste management is a challenge in developing world. • Municipal solid wastes in developing countries have a high organic component. • Methane from landfill gas is a significant contributor to global warming.

QUANTIFICATION ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE AS AN EVALUATION APROPOS OF SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KUCHING

The quantification and characterisation of municipal solid waste are indispensables for waste management forethought. This study quantified the municipal solid wastes from three principal council areas in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia which are the Kuching South City Council, Kuching North City Hall and Padawan Municipal Council to evaluate and analyse the contemporary waste trend and differentiate between the waste streams. The municipal solid waste samples are amassed directly from the source location and categorised according to the socio-economic level of the sampling location sites. This study discovered that there is no significant difference in the waste composition trend generated by the residents in different residential areas. The composition of the solid wastes was found to vary in different socio-economic categories. Organic waste is found to be the highest waste component in all socio-economic groups. The top three municipal waste compositions from the residential areas are organic wastes (61.58% w/w), plastics (12.06% w/w) and nappies/sanitary napkins (11.67% w/w), which ranged from 44.57% to 72.08%. This study provides a recent waste trend database with a detailed analysis of the differences between the waste streams for sustainable waste management in Kuching.

Characterization of municipal solid waste for waste to energy feedstock in Jakarta

The characterization study of municipal solid waste for waste to energy facility is very important to Jakarta City because of its waste is still in mixed condition and may contains several materials those are not suitable for incinerator. The purpose of this study was to determine the character of the waste from several sources (shopping areas, office areas, industrial areas, city parks, and households) in the city of Jakarta and to analyse the quality of the waste to be feedstock of incinerator. The research used a random sampling method for the wastes which were transported to the Bantargebang final disposal site. Samples were taken proportionally from the garbage truck to determine the composition, proximate and ultimate analysis. The results showed that wastes were dominated by combustible material and had a good potential as an incinerator fuel in terms of the characteristics of moisture content (less than 50%), volatile matter (above 25%) and ash content (less than 60%), as well as its LHV (above 6 MJ/kg). However, the existence of bulky waste, hazardous waste, non-combustible waste, and several types of waste that are not allowed to enter the incinerator needs to be a concern. Those wastes potentially interfere the performance of the incinerator.

Identification and characterization of Municipal Solid Waste - MSW through geoprocessing and visual analysis of waste in Brazil

This work sought to identify places with irregular dumping of solid urban waste and characterize them, assisting in the public management of these materials through a quick survey method. Belém, Capital of the State of Pará, Brazil, it was defined as a research area because it is observed that there are several places of irregular MSW dumping, impacting the quality of life of the population. Mapping and photographic survey and visual classification of the materials in the composition of the waste were carried out. The data were processed using the Quantum GIS software and Microsoft Excel. The analysis considered the relative frequency of identified materials, the most present: wood, construction waste, pruning and clearing materials, plastic materials and the presence of residential waste. 95.6% of the materials are from residential origin. Those materials have a great economic potential 61.6%. The presented methodology is a quick and practical solution for places with few technical and human resources in a way that assists in environmental management meeting a demand for a quick classification of the types of materials that will be sent to the final destination of solid waste or an adequate system screening.

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in Yenagoa Metropolis and Its Associated Management Problems, Nigeria

Abstract: Waste proliferation has increasingly become a serious concern of municipal authorities in recent times, especially for developing countries and municipalities. This paper presents the composition of municipal solid wastes generated in the Yenagoa metropolis and dumped in the Yenagoa Central waste dumpsite, Bayelsa State Nigeria. The character of the municipal solid waste was determined in terms of the composition of individual waste in the waste stream using average mass (kg) and percentage composition by mass of the various components using electronic weighing balance. It was found that 53.125% of the solid waste generated in the study area was made up of organic waste. Out of this percentage, food waste was the most abundant with 32.38% by mass. Vegetable waste recorded 5.8% composition by mass. Paper and Textile recorded 6.5% and 6.38% respectively. Wood waste had 2.13% composition by mass. While the percentage of inorganic waste within the waste stream was 46.875% in the following order, Plastic and nylon bags recorded 20.38% by mass of the total waste stream. Bottles, leathers, ceramics and construction wastes recorded 8%, 1.38%, 1.13% and 5.63% respectively. Electronic waste recorded 6.75% composition by mass. Metals, Cans and Battery wastes recorded 0.75%, 2% and 0.25% respectively. Finally, medical waste recorded 0.63% composition by mass. It is recommended that adequate financial provision, proper waste legislation, training and re-training of staff and full community participation in waste management should be encourage. Formal composting and recycling facilities should also be setup to enhance adequate management of waste. Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste, Characterization, Proliferation, Composition.

Sensor Technology Options for Municipal Solid Waste Characterization for Optimal Operation of Waste-to-Energy Plants

Reuse, refurbishing, and recycling are the most sustainable options for handling waste materials. However, for municipal solid waste (MSW) that is highly heterogenic, crude, contaminated, and decrepit, thermal conversion in waste-to-energy (WtE) plants is an option. In such plants, the fuel quality of MSW is difficult to predict and the substantial changes expected are challenging for incineration stability. Development of new online sensor technologies for monitoring waste properties prior to incineration is therefore needed. Sensors may contribute to increase WtE process stability, as well as reducing the probability of incineration stops or emissions exceeding legal limits. In this work, the operating principles of potential sensor systems for waste monitoring are categorized and assessed to be implemented for providing parameters for process control or indicators for process alarms in the waste incineration process. For transmissive settings, the use of inductance and hard X-ray sensors are most promising, whereas for reflective settings, utilization of photonic, inductive, soft and hard X-ray, as well as low-frequency radiowave sensors, are most promising. The analytic capacity of single-point measurements with inductance, radiowave, photonic, or X-ray sensors are limited to providing indicators for process alarms, whereas spectral imaging with X-ray or photonic techniques are feasible for providing parameters for both process control and indicators for process alarms. The results obtained in this sensor assessment will be important as a first step in guiding the evolution of monitoring waste properties in the WtE industry to increase repeatability, performance of energy production, and manual labor safety in controlling the waste incineration.

Geo-environmental and geotechnical characterization of municipal solid waste from the selective collection in São Paulo city, Brazil

This paper presents the characterization of municipal solid waste (MSW) randomly collected from two material recovery facilities in São Paulo city, before (input — recyclables) and after (output — rejects) the sorting processes. Geo-environmental and geotechnical tests were performed on shredded samples and a digestion method was applied to detect the metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations using an ICP OES. The objective was to assist future activities of integrated solid waste management and soil pollution. Results showed different particle sizes comparing the input (44.6%) and the output MSW (75.1%) passing through the 100-mm sieve. Organic matter and ash contents indicated the influence of inorganic carbon due to the plastics’ presence, with values varying between 6 and 13%. The pH values obtained were neutral and the electrical conductivity of the MSW rejects suggested a higher amount of ions, with values above 1000 µS/cm. Metals analyses show that Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn are present in high concentrations, depending on the types of the materials. Standard Proctor compaction curves yielded maximum dry unit weight varying from 6.6 to 10.0 kN/m3 and optimum moisture contents from 20 to 42%. Cohesion ranged from 1.3 to 31.3 kPa and friction angle from 3.2 to 42.9°. The results are comparable with those obtained for other countries using different MSW treatments and contribute to the data basis for MSW from the selective collection, aiming the integrated solid waste management, serving for other countries that adopt MSW sorting and recycling.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-021-18281-w.

Caracterización de residuos sólidos universitarios y estimación de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero en dos alternativas de gestión

The generation of solid waste in university canteens impacts the environment. When these are not well-managed, they release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; this is due mainly to the breakdown of organic waste. The aim of this project was to estimate the amount of greenhouse gases and their environmental equivalences based on the results obtained in 2019 from the characterization of solid waste in the canteens of the Universidad Científica del Sur. The methodology was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for the characterization of municipal solid waste and the greenhouse gas inventory guide. It was found that 85.82% of waste is usable waste, of which 83.58% is organic, while 14.18% of waste is non-usable. Finally, two possible scenarios were considered for annual CO2eq generation: a) In Scenario 1, in which there is no management and recovery of waste, emissions totaling 28.88 tCO2eq were obtained, equivalent to the consumption of 3261 gallons of gasoline; b) While in Scenario 2, where the university manages and recovers solid waste, emissions totaling 4.07 tCO2eq were obtained, equivalent to the consumption of 458 gallons of gasoline.

Characterization of municipal solid waste based on seasonal variations, source and socio-economic aspects

Characterization of municipal solid waste based on seasonal variations, source and socio-economic aspects

Seasonal characterization of municipal solid waste for selecting feasible waste treatment technology for Guwahati city, India

ABSTRACT As quantities and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) vary significantly with seasons, a seasonal characterization study is critical for developing an efficient MSW management system. MSW was characterized in three different seasons for selecting an appropriate waste treatment and management strategy for Guwahati city. Results of the study shows that the major components of the MSW were organics (42.2%) and plastic wastes (25.2%), which show high variations on a seasonal basis (22–49%). The chemical characterization of MSW revealed that on seasonal basis moisture content varies between 43.4% and 58.3%, pH between 5.5 and 6.5, volatile solid content from 32.9 to 58.9%, and the calorific value between 1203 and 3015 kcal/kg. Waste collected in the present study was a mixture of organics, recyclables, and inert material which is difficult and uneconomical for treatment in its present form. However, with proper waste segregation, bio-methanation, and composting could be sustainable waste treatment solutions due to the high moisture and volatile content of the MSW. Due to inadequate quantity, low calorific values, requirement of skilled supervision, and high capital investment, the thermochemical conversion of MSW may not be economically feasible for the present case. Implications: Present study is a novel attempt to analyze in-depth variation in the municipal solid waste (MSW) composition and properties in different seasons and how does it influence the selection and feasibility of the available waste treatment technologies. Search on Google scholar shows that only seven articles have been published till now which evaluated seasonal impact of MSW. Out to these published studies only one study have calculated energy potential of MSW on seasonal basis which is mainly restricted to incineration only. In-depth analysis of seasonal variation on anaerobic digestion, composting, refuse derived fuel (RDF), pyrolysis, and gasification is yet to determine. Furthermore, to best of our knowledge so far in India there was no such in-depth study has been published related to seasonal variation in MSW on large scale (city level). Present study provides in-depth valuable information regarding degree of variation in MSW composition and how does it affect resource recovery out of waste, which was not studied before in-depth before. Outcomes of the present study will definitely assist engineers and policymaker involved MSW management and planning for large urban areas to fulfil their sustainability goals.

Energy possibilities and future strategies for municipal solid waste in Himachal Pradesh

At present municipal solid waste (MSW) has become one of the biggest national concerns because mismanagement of MSW deteriorates the purity and cleanliness of the environment. In this direction, this manuscript discusses the details of generation, characterization of MSW, and current practice of municipal solid waste management in Himachal Pradesh (HP), a state in the northern region of India. Himachal Pradesh generates approximately 342.35 tons per day (TPD). Thus, it is a massive challenge for the municipalities of HP to manage it in a hilly region. Hilly regions of HP are prone to rapid climate change i.e., rainfall and snowfall in winter and hence found to be one of the important factors that affect the collection and treatment process of waste management. Indeed, the generation of waste decisively depends upon the tourism business. Further, the tourism business also depends upon seasonal variation. Difficult terrain and socio-economic condition of local people make waste disposal and transportation more difficult for the appropriate planning of the management of municipal solid waste. The characterization studies show that the biodegradable fraction in MSW is more than 50% which indicates a significant energy potential. The manuscript covers issues and challenges in waste management due to climatic conditions in the hilly regions of HP and also recommends the best suitable remedial measures for the proper management of the existing MSW system and its appropriate treatment alternatives. Hence this manuscript provides a wholesome glimpse of the possibilities of energy, global warming potential, and the economic aspects of MSW in the regions of HP. The findings will help the stakeholders and policymakers in better decision-making.

Potential of Energy Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to Become Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in Bali Province, Indonesia

The generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Bali has various environmental impacts. One of the updates on sustainable waste processing is the RDF treatment plant processing. Before carrying out the processing, MSW characterization is needed because each region has a diverse composition. The processing of MSW into RDF provides benefits for achieving MSW reduction targets, renewable energy use, and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For this reason, this study was conducted to determine the potential of MSW in Bali as an alternative to renewable fuel and its potential to reduce GHG. MSW's potential calorific value as a raw material for RDF in Bali can reach 9.58 - 17.71 MJ/kg. The implementation of processing waste into RDF in pellets has shown a calorific value of ± 3904 - 4945 kkcal/kg. Implementing MSW processing into RDF in Bali can reduce GHG by 178 - 330 times compared to open dumping.

Guidance plans for solid waste management during COVID-19 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized disasters related to environmental topics, human health, social lifestyles, and economic systems around the world. COVID-19 may further spread through municipal solid waste (MSW), if it is collected, handled, transported, or disposed in an improper way. The current paper provides an overview of the multiple challenges that COVID-19 has introduced to the various tasks of MSW management including the impact of the implemented precautionary measures on MSW management, priorities and hierarchy of MSW, direct impact on the constitution, and characterization of MSW in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, based on waste management characterization guidance. In addition, specific and alternative guidance plans for the potential critical points of the infection were suggested to protect public health during the pandemic. The results of the current study revealed that the hierarchical system of MSW was modified under pandemic conditions. Implementation of control measures in Makkah has led to a change of lifestyle, which resulted in a physical change of the MSW constitution in Makkah, with the following average rates: organic matter, 57%; plastics, 31%; paper and cardboard, 9%; metals, 1%; glass, 1%; and wood, 1%. In conclusion, a specific guidance plan for MSW management during the COVID-19 pandemic was developed, aimed at handlers, pickers, collection, transportation, transfer stations, and MSW disposal. Such a guidance plan may play a vital role in controlling the pandemic, especially in the outdoor environment. The suggested guidance plan describes and specifies structured and ordered practices of MSW management in Makkah during COVID-19 and other pandemics.

In Situ Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste Using Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) and Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) in an Active and Closed Landfill

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills near a metropolitan area are renewable energy resources to produce heat and methane that can generate electricity. However, it is difficult to use those sources productively because disposed MSW in landfills are spatially and temporally heterogeneous. Regarding the prediction of the sources, the analysis of in situ MSW properties is an alternative way to reduce the uncertainty and to understand complex processes undergoing in the landfill effectively. A hydraulic profiling tool (HPT) and membrane interface probe (MIP) test measures the continuous profile of MSW properties with depth, including hydraulic pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and the relative concentration of methane at the field. In this study, we conducted a series of the tests to investigate the MSW characteristics of active and closed landfills. MIP results showed that the methane existed closer to right below the top cover in the active landfill and several peak concentrations at different layers of the closed landfill. As the depth and age of the waste increased, the hydraulic pressure increased for both landfills. The average EC results showed that the electrical conductivity decreased with the landfill age. The results of hydraulic properties, temperature, and EC obtained from active and closed sites could be used to estimate the waste age and help designing energy recovery systems.

Seasonal characterization of municipal solid waste in the city of Jammu, India

Increasing municipal solid waste (MSW) of different forms on account of rise in population has demonstrated the need of studying the seasonal characterization of municipal solid waste in residential area of Jammu city, India. This work analyses the characteristics of MSW for three diverse periods of a year (winter, spring and summer) collected directly from the families at three diverse economic levels of selected residential area. Weighing machine was used to weight the waste material separated in tarpaulin sheet. For all the three socioeconomic levels, the average measure of waste produced was 2.96 kg/capita/day. The lowest income groups generated about 2.36 to 2.71 kg/capita/day of waste while the highest income groups generated about 2.4 to 3.7 kg/capita/day of waste. We found that summer season has the highest of waste generation whereas winter has the lowest. The characterization values of the weighed municipal solid waste shows organic fraction of 82.73% followed by the plastic waste with 6.78% and then the combination of paper and cardboard with 6.78%. Other wastes viz metals, glass etc. were found to be 2.51 % in total.

Analyzing The Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in Da Nang City, Vietnam

Recently, most cities in Vietnam are facing waste problems that are mainly caused by the rapid increase of municipal solid waste (MSW) amount and the limitations of the MSW management system. This study aims to characterise the waste generation, composition and characteristics of MSW in Da Nang city, which is one of the five biggest cities in Vietnam. The current problems and challenges of MSW system are also analysed. The sampling survey was conducted in the dry and wet seasons in August and November 2018. The MSW was taken directly from trucks at the landfill site with the sample size by 500 kg/waste sources. This study shows that the simultaneous development of production, trade and service activities in the last decade has led to the speedy growth of waste by 9 %/y, and reached 1,073 t/d in 2018. In which, waste generated from industry and the hospitals account inconsiderable proportions by 3.9 % and 1.4 %. This study also indicated that the MSW generation rate from the urban areas is more than that of the coastal and industrial areas. For the composition of MSW, biodegradable waste and recyclables are the main components with the proportion of 54 % and 27 % of the total waste. While the waste composition almost do not differ considerably by seasons, the difference in the characteristics of waste is a consideration for the processing. The current problems and solutions to improve the MSW system toward sustainability are also discussed and suggested.

Status and Challenges of Solid Waste Management in Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site, Pathoumphone District, Champasack Province, Laos PDR

Quantification and characterization of municipal solid waste are vital information for a proper solid waste management. However, these are under-investigated and scarcely implemented in Laos PDR, especially the local communities. This work, therefore, aimed to quantify and characterize municipal solid waste generated from Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site and to recommend possible integrated solid waste management strategies for a sustainable waste management. The average daily waste generation was estimated to be 3.6 kg/day and 2.6 kg/day in Thabou village and Kiat Ngong village, respectively. Organic waste appeared to be the biggest component (28%) for Thabou village, while packaging’s dominated waste composition in Kiat Ngong village. Interestingly, high percentage of golden apple shells waste were mismanaged. These had the potential to convert into value-added products such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It was found that fresh golden apple shells contained only 24.16±0.48 g/l as CaCO3, while incineration method increased higher CaCO3 products. The result showed that incineration at the temperature of 400 oC gave the highest amount of CaCO3 with the values of 1207.67±9.45 g/l as CaCO3. Based on the resources and the strength of the Ramsar site, the production of value added material from bio-waste could be integrated into waste management strategies along with 3Rs policies implementation.

Municipal Solid Waste Characterisation and Quantification as a measure towards Effective Waste Management in the Takoradi Sub-Metro, Ghana

Waste management is a major challenge for many metropolitan and municipal assemblies in Ghana. The quantity of waste generated from the cities keeps increasing at a faster rate without increasing facilities to match its management. In the Takoradi sub-metro for instance, all the waste generated ends up at the final disposal sites without any recovery of the valuables. Proper management of the generated waste requires reliable and informative data which could assist in the collection as well as value addition process. Waste separation efficiency; willingness to separate waste at source; physical composition and per capita waste generated by households within the Takoradi sub-metropolis were studied over a five-week period. Questionnaire, interviews and survey were employed in the collection of the required data. The data were analysed using SPSS. The results showed solid waste composition of 60.0% organics, 11.5% plastics, 8.0% inert materials, 7.1% papers and cardboard, 5.0% miscellaneous materials, 2.9% textiles, 2.4% metals, 1.5% glasses and 1.2% leather and rubber. Over 80% of the waste fraction has the potential for recovery into other products; with this, 22.7% could be recycled and 63.6% suitable for biological conversions such as composting and anaerobic digestion since they have a moisture content as high as 55%. The average per capita waste generated within the sub-metro was 0.70 kg/cap/day. Households were able to separate the organic fractions from the rest of the waste fractions reaching effectiveness of 92% for organic separation and 83% for all other wastes. The data generated on the quantity and composition of the waste stream in the Metropolis would play a positive role in solid waste management and help solid waste managers make informed decisions on waste management options. 
 
 Keywords: Waste Sorting and Separation, Biodegradables, Household Waste, Separation Efficiency