Characterization Of Municipal Solid Waste Research Articles

A method for determining the recycling value of unprocessed municipal solid waste in one cubic meter waste composition analysis technique

The transition from conventional landfill-centric waste management to resource-centric methodologies necessitates an enhanced comprehension of municipal solid waste (MSW) composition and its inherent value. Existing methodologies documented in the literature exhibit a lack of standardization, impending the formulation of a systematic engineering approach for MSW characterization and valuation. This study introduces a methodology specifically tailored to discern the composition of waste origination from urban households and evaluate its recyclability within the confines of a circular economy framework, Employing a volume-based measurement approach, aims to estimate the recycling value of waste materials. The study's outcomes contribute significantly to quantifying the potential recycling value that accrues to society. Furthermore, the validation of the proposed protocol elucidates the dynamic nature of recyclable value as it traverses the intricate pathways of the waste supply chain. This insight facilitates the formulation of commercial models grounded in circular economy principles for the effective management of household solid waste. Empirical findings reveal that the total recycling value fluctuates within the range of USD 3.39 and USD 5.76 per cubic meter of waste volume, contingent upon the specific waste composition at the experiment site. Additionally, the proposed methodology uncovers the nuanced variability in MSW composition and recycling value across diverse household collection patterns, identifying mixed plastic, paper, cardboard, mixed MSW, and clothing as primary constituents. The application of this methodology extends beyond mere quantification, providing a foundational framework for simulating the latent recycling value embedded within MSW samples. This, in turn, offers invaluable support to strategy developers, policymakers, and entrepreneurial ventures engaged in the sustainable management of household solid waste. In essence, this study establishes the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of MSW composition and its recyclability, facilitating informed decision-making in the pursuit of a circular economy.•Novel methodology based on one cubic meter (1m3) composition analysis of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).•A new method to evaluate the recycling value of Municipal Solid Waste.•A basis for business model development for the waste-to-resource conversion model.

A Study on Physical Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste of Jammu City on the basis of Socioeconomic Status of the Population

Generation of waste has been associated with humans since dawn of civilization. But in recent decades due to factors like ever increasing population, urbanization and industrialization, the amount of waste generated has spiked to enormous proportions. The composition of waste has significantly changed since plastic was first used in the middle of the 19th century. MSW management is a significant environmental concern in India. Jammu City generates an immense amount of solid waste, approximately 350–400 metric tons (MT) daily, with an individual generation rate of around 0.55 kg per day. MSW management in Jammu City is handled by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC). In the city, MSW collection, transportation, and disposal are all handled by JMC. MSW of Jammu city is disposed at Kot Bhalwal which is an open landfill site. As of now no prior treatment of MSW is being done. Present study attempts to assess the current state of MSW management in Jammu city. Sampling was done in the month of July, 2022 from 15 different wards classified in the basis of socioeconomic status and physical characterization of MSW was conducted. This paper analyzes the results obtained from physical characteristics of MSW from three diverse socioeconomic groups HIG, MIG and LIG. This would help in understanding the waste generation pattern of different socioeconomic groups. MSW from MIG contains large proportion of organic matter (55%) and is thus suitable for composting and bio-methanation, however MSW collected from HIG locality contain high proportion of inorganic materials like paper/cardboard, plastic, polythene and textile waste and therefore it is suitable for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) facility. MSW from Jammu city also contain high fraction of inert waste (20% to 45%). Inert waste can be easily disposed but when it is mixed with MSW it increases the volume and weight of total MSW and therefore increase the difficulty if MSW management. This study also explores the alternative approaches to MSWM in Jammu city. Data generated by present study will be beneficial to JMC for designing future course of action for management of MSW of Jammu City.

Evaluation of the Methane (CH4) Generation Rate Constant (k Value) of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Mogadishu City, Somalia

Landfills are the third largest source of the greenhouse gas methane, contributing to 25% of global warming. Therefore, the characterization of national municipal solid waste (MSW) and estimation of methane generation rate are very important for the solid waste management (SWM) toward sustainable development goal no. 13, climate action. This study presents (a) an assessment of daily MSW generation, (b) the characterization of MSW, and (c) an evaluation of the methane generation rate constant (k value) in Mogadishu, Somalia. The MSW samples were collected from three (3) sampling zones (Zones 1, 2, and 3; 204 households) and weighted (kg). Next, the waste generation per person per day was estimated. The MSW characterization includes sorting (based on plastic/polythene, food wastes, wood, metals, yard waste, paper/cardboard, textile, glass/ceramic and miscellaneous components, %), the determination of bulk density (kg/L), and measuring moisture content (%). The k values were evaluated from the percentages of different components in MSW based on first-order decay models. Mogadishu city generated 1671.03 kg MSW per week (maximum on Friday: 348.72 kg, and minimum on Monday: 152.04 kg). The total mean MSW generation rate observed in this study was 0.2 kg/person/day. The solid waste generation found was in the decreasing order of food waste > plastic/polythene > yard waste > miscellaneous > papers/carboard > wood > glass/ceramic > textiles > metals by weight. The average bulk density was found to be 0.269 kg/L. The average moisture content was ranged from 61.6 to 73%. The total k values were categorized as fast (Zone 1: 0.216053 yr−1, Zone 2: 0.228739 yr−1, and Zone 3: 0.244595 yr−1) and moderate (Zone 3: 0.244595 yr−1) degradation. This research serves as Somalian MSW baseline data and projected the methane generation rate from the MSW production in the country. The MSW sorting may reduce the impact of global warming and is highly recommended for better SWM in the future.

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste Generated in Some Egyptian Cities

Municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a cumulative problem related to many aspects, namely, social, economic, and cultural. Therefore, such a situation must be accompanied by the development of well-established management systems starting with the knowledge of MSW quantities, its quality and characterization and ending with a suitable landfilling technique. This work aims to characterize Egyptian municipal solid waste generated from two cities in Great Cairo, where 45 samples were collected regularly. The research was carried out by researchers in the Chemical Engineering Department at Cairo University and selected undergraduate students from October to December 2020. The collected MSW was characterized by evaluating the quality and quantity of generated waste. Selected properties considered were: composition (including the organic fraction, papers, plastics, textiles, metals, glass, and others), density, moisture content, calorific value, and Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Sulfer (CHNS) chemical elemental analysis. The results obtained showed that the organic fraction was dominant to other fractions (4287%) and the carbon content was more than 47% and the calorific values to range between 4360-12277 kJ/kg. The results obtained were used as a base for a waste management proposal, either from mass recovery for highrecyclable samples or energy recovery for high calorific value waste. In other circumstances, waste-to-energy WTE processes were recommended as a promising solution to developing countries in the world where the energy demand is essential for the life.

An elastoplastic constitutive model for municipal solid waste (MSW) incorporating solid particle compression and fibrous reinforcing effect

The failures in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills could result in considerable ecological as well as social problems. Numerical simulations are widely employed to analyze MSW deformation and stability. These methods require an appropriate stress-strain characterization of MSW, which is crucial. Different from soils, the extremely complicated constituents of MSW contain a large number of fibrous reinforced and particle compressible materials. The findings of numerous tests suggest that the fiber reinforced phase and the basic phase are solely responsible for determining the mechanical properties of MSW. On the basis of the double-phase assumption, a new plastic potential function of MSW is developed considering that the reinforcement of fibrous materials only relates to plastic shear strain and the particle compression only affects plastic volumetric strain. According to the associate flow rule, a constitutive model based on elastoplasticity is developed for MSW. The strain hardening behaviour of MSW is well predicted by the model, and this behaviour is in good agreement with experimental evidence. Effects of confining pressure and fibre content are modelled, together with the mechanical and deformation behaviour of MSW. The accurate calculation of effective stresses is obtained through considering the MSW particle compression under the undrained conditions. Parametric investigations calibrate the model and show its properties by comparing them to data from triaxial tests. Moreover, incorporating the proposed model, finite-element numerical simulation was conducted, and the results of finite-element numerical simulation were compared with field monitoring results.

Characterization of municipal solid waste for effective utilization as an alternative source for clean energy production

Renewable energy resources become an alternative to fossil fuels and help to mitigate the issues relevant to environmental sustainability. Some organic waste materials are harmful to the environment, but they offer a useful bioresource for renewable energy production. In this study, municipal solid waste (MSW) collected from Chattogram City was characterized for its effective utilization of energy production. Proximate analysis showed that the MSW has high ash and moisture content which needs further separation and purification. Elemental analysis reveals the presence of a lower amount of sulfur and nitrogen content. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis depicted that it has hydrocarbons with some compounds of sulfur and nitrogen. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that MSW can be degraded through three stages corresponding to the presence of moisture content, lower hydrocarbons, and higher hydrocarbons. Based on the characterization and subsequent analysis, it can be concluded that municipal solid waste has potential for utilization as an alternative source of energy, after proper separation and purification.

Evaluation of energy sources from municipal solid waste of Gujranwala city in Pakistan

The worldwide atmosphere has been seriously deteriorating due to the poor handling of waste produced in order to get useful products for achieving the high living standards and technological development. Therefore, waste management is a serious concern to avoid ecological damage. Methane gas generated on waste landfill sites is the source of greenhouse gas that is prime contributors to environmental degradation. The main intention is to measure the amount of methane gas produced from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) at the site of Bakhrewali in the Cantonment (Rahwali), Gujranwala, Pakistan and to estimate the extent of energy that potentially could be retrieved from the MSW site. The waste samples were gathered to evaluate the energy content, composition, and methane concentration. The findings from the MSW characterization revealed that the primary constituent of Bahrewali site, Gujranwala MSW is organic waste. The concentration of methane from sites 1, 2 and 3 were analysed to be 118.45, 35.32, 48.26 ppm methane/g waste. The calorific value of samples 1, 2 and 3 were determined to be 13.45, 12.24, and 11.01 MJ/kg respectively. The outcomes confirm that there is production of methane at the waste sites and the municipal waste could be utilized for energy recovery. The analysis of samples collected from MSW sites shows that there is great potential in the waste to be combusted and used for electricity generation.

Characterization of municipal solid waste: Measures towards management strategies using statistical analysis

Implementing unified municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is often difficult due to socio-economic variables. However, spatial GIS models and statistical analysis of solid waste characterized by the weekdays, weekends, and festivals can somewhat mitigate the variance and assist with selecting suitable waste management methods. This paper presents the example of Rajouri, India, to propose a suitable MSWM based on Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) intensity maps and statistical findings. The considered region was divided into different sample sites based on the local population density, and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) was collected from four locations in each site on weekdays, weekends, and festivals. Compositional analysis of the MSW was then used to generate spatial IDW models in QGIS 3.22.7 to interpolate MSW generation over the entire area. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted to gain insight into the waste generation and accumulation trends. The results show that Rajouri produces 245 tonnes of waste daily (per capita: 0.382 kg/day) with a large organic fraction compared to other waste categories. Besides, waste generation is observed to increase over weekends and festivals due to increased consumption of material goods. Composting could serve as a vector for municipal solid waste because of its increased organic component and cost constraints. However, further research on the potential segregation techniques for the organic fraction of solid waste is needed.

Status of solid waste generation in municipal corporation cities of Maharashtra in India: a review

Generation of municipal solid waste to manage is a major environmental issue in Maharashtra. Due to rapid increase in industrialization, urbanization and population growth, the generation rate of municipal solid waste in Maharashtrian cities and towns also increased. Mishandling of municipal solid waste can cause adverse environmental impacts, public health risks and other socio-economic problems. Present investigation has been carried out to study the altering tendencies of quantity and features of municipal solid waste. The changing pattern of waste composition highlights the importance of isolation for effective process of waste management amenities. Municipal experts should maintain the storing facilities in such a way that they do not generate unhygienic and contaminated situations. A fresh survey would be carried out on the generation and characterization of municipal solid waste in Maharashtra. Subsequently, the municipal solid waste is varied in nature, many samples must be collected and examined to obtain statistically reliable consequences. This overview on status of solid waste management in Maharashtrian cities in India will be beneficial for the competent authorities responsible for municipal solid waste management and researchers to prepare more resourceful strategies.

Seasonal Characterization and Possible Solutions for Municipal Solid Waste Management in the City of Patna, Bihar, India

The present study aims to characterize the municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the municipality of Patna, the second-largest city in Eastern India. MSW is heterogeneous and the composition varies with seasons and within the different parts of the city. MSW samples were characterized for the three different seasons Winter (November), Summer (May), and Monsoon (August) to select feasible waste treatment methods. The physical characterization indicates that the major fractions of the MSW were biodegradable (48.83%) and inert (18.26%), which shows variations in different seasons of about ~5%. On a seasonal basis, the chemical characterization of MSW revealed that the moisture content varies between 43.21% to 51.78%, and volatile matter between 20.18% to 29.45%. ash content between 20.20% to 26.23% and fixed carbon between 4.11% to 5.91%. The C/N was found to be between 15.81 to 28.84 and the calorific value lies between 1212 to 2627 kcal.kg-1 during different seasons. The characterization of MSW highlights the virtue of waste segregation at the source and developing an efficient MSW system, including the potential for recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, and production of refuse-derived fuels (RDFs). The outcomes of the present study will be helpful for Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) in the planning for implementing suitable waste treatment technologies for integrated solid waste management systems (ISWM).

Characterization of municipal solid waste in the municipality of Simão Dias (SE)

Inadequate disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a common practice in some Brazilian municipalities, raising the level of economic and socio-environmental impacts. The main objective was to characterize the MSW of the municipality of Simão Dias (SE) through field visitations. The elaboration tools were a checklist, characterization sheet, and observation evaluation matrices (GUT and SWOT). Eighty-four (84) points were identified as irregular deposit spots for these materials, of which the volume estimated was around 6,150m³. A disposal period of 3 years has been considered in the visited places, and the estimated cost was approximately R$319,234 (R$2.63/hab. year) for the withdrawal of MSW at all points. Most observations (73.8%) occurred due to the accumulation of construction waste. The main challenges were the inexistence of public policies for proper MSW management, as recommended by Federal Law 12.305/2010; lack of knowledge about the origin and quantification of MSW by the local government; lack of adequate segregation at the generating source and inefficiency of actions for selective collection. Among the opportunities that stand out, the performance of the existing cooperative and the participation in an inter-municipal consortium are the most noteworthy. The main contribution of the study was the organization of information to support municipal decision-making in this sector.

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.

A novel comprehensive CFD-based model for municipal solid waste incinerators based on the porous medium approach

• A 2D CFD-based model for municipal solid waste incineration in grate-firing systems. • MSW characterization in terms of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and polyethylene. • Treatment of the particle movement using the mass movement approach. • Two-way coupling between the waste bed and freeboard models. • A fair agreement between the simulation results and industrial measurements. Simulation of municipal solid waste (MSW) grate incinerators is important to enhance the energy and material recovery potential of waste to energy plants. A grate incinerator consists of the waste bed on a grate and the freeboard. While the gas combustion in the freeboard can be readily solved by available CFD codes, modeling the waste combustion has been a challenge. In this paper, a comprehensive 2D CFD-based model has been developed to simulate on-grate MSW incineration. The waste bed is modeled as a porous zone with local volume-averaged properties. The gas flow is obtained using a commercial CFD code, while the solid phase is solved using an in-house code written in C. A new approach to characterize MSW is proposed to reduce the heterogeneity of waste while being capable of addressing its thermochemical characteristics. The model includes the effects of the bed packing on the gas flow. It also employs the mass movement approach and the walking column approach to account for the particle movement on the moving grate. A 33 MW waste incinerator under two operating conditions has been modeled, including an iterative coupling between the waste bed and the freeboard. The simulation results are compared with industrial measurements in the freeboard, and a discussion about the numerical and measurement uncertainty is provided. Given the complexity of the system, the agreement between numerical and measured results is fair. By means of the model, the trend of bed height, temperature, composition and decomposition rates along the grate were analyzed. It is shown that the primary air flows and grate speeds can be effectively controlled to ensure smooth operation of waste incinerators with varying waste compositions.

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.