Municipal Solid Waste Research Articles

System simulation and multi-objective optimization methodology for sustainable municipal solid waste classification management: A case study in China

Cities worldwide are actively implementing waste classification policies to develop efficient waste management systems that address the growing challenges of waste disposal and promote sustainable development. However, selecting tailored waste classification solutions is challenging due to the intricate interrelationships within the system and the complex trade-offs between different management objectives. This study presents a comprehensive methodology that simulates the entire waste classification management system by integrating the stages of waste generation, source classification, and final disposal, all linked by waste quantities and properties. A multi-objective optimization model is employed to identify optimal technical pathways that balance economic, environmental, and energy objectives. This methodology was applied in Zhangjiagang, a medium-sized city in China, revealing that economically optimal solutions focusing on landfill and composting as disposal pathways could exacerbate environmental impacts, with indicators deteriorating by 23.1 %–419.1 % except for freshwater eutrophication potential. In contrast, a multi-objective optimization solution prioritizing incineration and anaerobic digestion achieves environmental and energy benefits valued at 18.7 USD/t, with a modest increase in economic costs of 5.7 USD/t compared to the base year. The unconstrained optimal scenarios achieve net negative environmental costs and recover 2.0 × 106 MJ of energy. The study recommends moderate and dynamically adjusted kitchen waste separation rates depending on the stage of implementation. Additionally, the findings reveal that the “lock-in” effects of mismatched disposal facilities can significantly escalate costs. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of systematic design and multi-objective optimization, offering a comprehensive methodology for cities aiming to enhance their waste classification strategies.

Co-incineration of multiple inorganic solid wastes towards clean disposal: Heat and mass transfer modeling, pollutant generation, and machine learning based proportioning

The co-disposal of solid waste by industrial kilns is presently attracting increasing attention. In this study, we investigate the co-disposal of solid waste, i.e. converter ash (CA), sintered ash (SA), blast furnace bag ash (BA), and municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA), under simulated blast furnace ironmaking conditions. The results show that it is feasible to use blast furnace to treat MSWIFA, but the stability of temperature field should be controlled in the process of co-disposal. With the increase of temperature, the conversion rate of NO decreased to 16.4%, and ZnFe2O4 became the main mineral composition, accounting for 75.53%. Corresponding to the flue gas corrosion condition of solid waste treatment, it is found that the corrosion resistance of the furnace material TH347H is better than 20G. Finally, based on the experimental data, the nested optimization algorithm of machine learning model is established to achieve the reverse output of optimal conditions. Overall, the study provides theoretical support and methodology guidance for the co-disposal of solid waste in blast furnaces in providing support for the further development of co-disposal of solid waste in industrial kilns.

الوضع الراهن لتداول المخلفات الصلبة في المنطقة الغربية من ليبيا

Proper planning for solid waste management, as well as working to provide appropriate data and statistics related to the causes of the problem, are among the most important effective means that contribute to achieving sustainable development. Since the problem of waste accumulation has become a source of concern, this study aimed to evaluate the current situation of municipal solid waste in the western region of Libya and estimate the effects of some social and economic factors on the waste generation. Working teams have been formed to communicate with the competent official authorities to collect the necessary data regarding waste management, amount of generation, composition, means of transporting waste and transfer stations. The data were analyzed and the obtained results showed that the estimated quantity of solid waste generated from Surman, Sabratha and Al-Jameel was 31,450 tons/year at a rate of 0.95 kg/capita/day, 61,700 tons/year at a rate 1.3 kg/capita/day and 33,600 tons/year at a rate of 1 kg/capita/day, respectively. Comparing these rates with generation rates for different Libyan cities shows that the highest generation rate was in the municipality of Sabratha. The average percentages of the various components of the composition of solid household waste generated by the population of the study area compared to the Tripoli and Benghazi area were close to each other. In general, food waste constitutes the largest percentage and in a larger quantity in Benghazi. As for solid waste management in general in terms of transportation and disposal, it is uneven as a result of poor planning and the lack of devices and equipment necessary to collect and transport waste from cities to the landfill site. Solid waste is considered a national wealth that can generate significant returns due to the possibility of recycling and using most of its components. Random disposal wastes materials that may be of high economic value, in addition to the accompanying negative effects on the environment and health.

Mechanical and microstructural properties of municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash (MSWIBA) concrete exposed to salt erosion and drying-wetting cycles

In cold and saline soil areas, concretes usually experience multi-factor erosions, such as freezing-thawing cycles (FTCs), drying-wetting cycles (D-Ws), and salt erosion. To promote green and sustainable development of the construction industry, municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash (MSWIBA) was adopted as a partial replacement for conventional fine aggregates in concretes. In this study, the coupled effects of the D-Ws and salt erosion (i.e., 5 % NaCl solution and 5 % Na2SO4 solution) were experimentally conducted to investigate the mechanical and microstructural properties of ordinary and MSWIBA concretes. The results showed that D-Ws had a negative effect on the mechanical properties of concretes. The depth and width of cracks in concretes increased with the D-Ws raised. During the D-Ws, the influence of salt solution on concretes could be divided into two stages. Initially, the filling effect of salt crystals was beneficial to the development of concrete strength. Subsequently, salt crystals accumulated in concretes caused cracks, and accelerated the deterioration of concrete specimens. Meanwhile, sodium sulphate reacted with hydration products in concretes to produce some expansive substances, the evident diffraction peaks of expansive substances (e.g., gypsum and ettringite) had been clearly observed after D-Ws. Thus, the damage effect of 5 % Na2SO4 solution (SS) to concrete structure was more serious than that of water (WT) and 5 % NaCl solution (CS). Furthermore, the total porosity of the concrete specimens generally decreased with the MSWIBA substitution rate increased. There was an optimal MSWIBA content for concretes to obtain the excellent mechanical and microstructural properties. In detail, when the substitution rate of MSWIBA was between 0 % and 33.0 %, it had an excellent effect on improving the pore structure of concretes. Specifically, the compressive strength of concretes was larger than 35.0 MPa when the substitution rate of MSWIBA with natural river sand was between 24.8 % and 57.8 %, whereas the substitution rate of MSWIBA should not exceed 33.0 % exposed to D-Ws. This study could provide a significant reference for the sustainable development of concretes in cold and saline soil areas, as well optimization and innovation usage of MSWIBA.

Municipal solid waste management using electric vehicle by variable neighbourhood search algorithm

Efficient solid waste management is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with waste disposal, including environmental, economic, technical, and social aspects. Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) incurs significant costs and contributes to environmental pollution primarily due to the collection process. This research presents a comprehensive case study that focuses on optimising the routing of electric vehicles for solid waste collection. Specifically, it addresses the Half-Open Time-Dependent Multi-Depot Electric Vehicle Routing Problem considering Battery Recharging and Swapping (HOTDMDEVRPBRS) in the context of waste collection. This problem aims to optimise the routes taken by electric vehicles across multiple depots, considering constraints such as limited battery capacity, multiple technologies for recharging battery capacity, the impact of truckload on energy consumption, and time-dependent travel times. To tackle this problem, we propose a highly efficient Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) meta-heuristic algorithm, which outperforms the Simulated Annealing (SA) approach. The proposed algorithm achieves an average improvement of 11.88% in solution quality and reduces execution time by 73% for last-mile delivery. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach using real-world data from New York's recycling management system. The findings of this study emphasise the potential for enhancing solution quality and operational efficiency in solid waste management.

Comparative assessment of waste-to-energy scenarios to mitigate GHG emission from MSW in a developing mega city

The search for sustainable municipal solid waste management in urban areas has become a dire need as the generated unprecedented volumes of waste eventually end up in landfills and emits greenhouse gas (GHG). To offer sustainable waste management in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the performance of incineration, anaerobic digestion, and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) based Waste to Energy (WtE) processes were assessed and compared. The population and the GDP of Dhaka North City Corporation from 2015 to 2023 were used to estimate the MSW generation rate with an empirical multivariable linear regression model. In 2023 around 3600 tons/day of MSW was generated which was 35 % higher than in 2015. The IPCC decay models, ZODM, FODM, and modified triangular model (MTM) yielded 87.3, 41.3, and 38-k tonnes of CH4 generation, respectively. The power generation from incineration-based plants can fall from 30 MW to 3 MW if the moisture content of MSW increases from 70 % to 90 %. Anaerobic digestion produces 34 MW of power. The Optimization of the HTC operating parameters was done and it demonstrates substantial energy potential (up to 65 MW with co-feeding of 420 tons/day of hydrochar with 426 tons/day of plastic from MSW) and GHG emission reduction (221.5 %) compared to landfilling. Additionally, HTC-derived wastewater presents an opportunity for nutrient recovery with 8.16 and 2.66, 0.3 tons/day of K, Na, and P reclamation potential, respectively. A comparison of different scenarios in plastic recycling in incineration and sensitivity analysis for three WtE schemes were conducted. Thus, the study provides a rigorous assessment of different pathways to offer a comprehensive framework for sustainable MSW management that contributes to a cleaner urban environment.

Evaluation of municipal solid waste characterization and landfill gas power plant electrical energy production efficiency during COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount and types of municipal solid waste (MSW) have dramatically changed. This study focuses on characterizing the MSWs in the regular waste storage facility (RWSF) in Izmir, Turkey, and determining the electrical energy that can be produced by the landfill gas power plant (LFGPP) established to convert the waste to energy (WtE). Therefore, firstly the MSWs were characterized. After, the amount of produced methane (CH4) gas was determined using Landfill Gas Emissions Modeling (LandGEM). The amount of generated electricity, the dependent variable in the LandGEM model, was most influenced by the quantity of MSW, garbage disposal processes, and maintenance times of gas generators, while other factors remained relatively weak. This situation has also been confirmed in the field. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in MSW was 9.8% in 2020 and 10.3% in 2021. Kitchen waste containing the highest CH4, accounted for 38% of the MSW characterization. The amount of generated electricity in the LandGEM model was 237 GWh in 2020 and 245 GWh in 2021. While these values could be achieved by 11.25% in 2020 due to various system and field failures, they reached 79.73% in 2021 due to system and field improvements.

Optimization of municipal solid waste incineration for low-NOx emissions through numerical simulation

With urbanization, municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is increasing. Traditional landfill methods face land shortages and environmental pollution. Waste incineration, which reduces waste and recovers resources, has become a key management method. However, nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced during incineration severely impact the environment, requiring improved control technologies. This study optimized three denitrification technologies—air staging, flue gas recirculation (FGR), and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR)—using numerical simulations. The research provides support for improving waste incinerator efficiency and stability while reducing NOx emissions, aiding the sustainable development of waste incineration technology. By optimizing the primary and secondary air distribution ratios, the initial NOx generation was reduced by 8.39%. When 20% of the recirculated flue gas was introduced as secondary air, NOx generation was reduced by 23.54%, and boiler efficiency increased to 83.78%. The study examined the impact of different sludge mixing ratios on the temperature and NOx emissions within the context of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. Initially, the study aimed to address the environmental concerns of NOx emissions during the incineration process by exploring how the introduction of sludge at various mixing ratios would affect combustion parameters. The results showed that a sludge mixing ratio between 3 and 13% optimized the combustion process with 7% being the most effective in balancing temperature control and NOx emissions. Specifically, the best value of the sludge mixing ratio refers to achieving an optimal reduction in NOx emissions while maintaining stable incinerator operation. The chemical compositions of the sludge included key elements such as carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O), with approximate proportions of C: 31.2%, H: 4.7%, N: 2.5%, S: 0.6%, and O: 31.8%.

Investigation on the carbonation and heavy metals stabilization of MSWI fly ash by incorporating γ-C2S and Portland cement

Accelerated carbonation is an effective method for treating municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA). However, the CO2 sequestration efficiency and the heavy metals (HMs) stabilization efficiency in accelerated carbonation are limited. In this study, γ-C2S was introduced to enhance the sequestration efficiency of CO2 and the stabilization of HMs in MSWI FA. The study revealed that the inclusion of γ-C2S significantly improved the compressive strength of the samples, leading to a 400 % increase in strength compared to the hydrated samples. The introduction of γ-C2S increased the CO2 uptake of MSWI FA blended samples and reduced the leaching concentration of HMs. The experimental CO2 uptake after powder carbonation exceeded expectations. The carbonation of γ-C2S and MSWI FA produced finer calcite particle size, which could act as seeds to enhance the carbonation reaction. This study offers a solution for the environmentally friendly and zero-carbon preparation of gelling material from MSWI FA.

Evaluation of life cycle cost for the comparison of decentralized waste to composting and landfilling of municipal solid waste

BackgroundMunicipal solid waste (MSW) has increased dramatically in emerging economies like Bangladesh as a result of rapid urbanization and economic growth. Due to the high land requirements and nature of the waste, options of municipal waste management such as landfilling and waste-to-energy have proven to be expensive and inefficient. Previously, a pilot study on a waste-to-compost program in a decentralized facility was done in Dhaka to evaluate the effectiveness of municipal waste management.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the life cycle costs (LCCs) of a waste-to-composting facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The objective was to ensure economical and effective management of MSW by comparing overall spending to the current and proposed waste management process.MethodologyIn order to evaluate the potential of the planned decentralized compost plant, LCC methods using UNEP/SETAC guidelines are used in the study. This includes an additional analysis of environmental and operational costs and benefits.ResultThe research found that the overall cost of the decentralized compost facility was $857,110, much less than the expenditures associated with landfilling and conventional composting methods in Dhaka.ConclusionThis study shows that a decentralized waste-to-compost plant may be a profitable option for dealing with municipal solid waste. Its potential to ease stress on municipal governments is highlighted by its much lower price tag. Insightful for policymakers and urban planners in emerging nations confronting comparable waste management difficulties, this research stresses the need to implement such creative, cost-effective approaches in quickly rising metropolitan cities.

Impact assessment of solid waste dumping sites on soil and groundwater quality in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India

The present work aimed to evaluate the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) dumping on the quality of soil and groundwater at six specific sites (S1-S6) located in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. An analysis of selected physicochemical and heavy metal characteristics (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, and Cr) was conducted on groundwater and soil samples collected between July 2022 and June 2023 using standard techniques. Furthermore, the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) was also analysed, revealing a significant proportion of biodegradable waste in comparison to non-biodegradable wastes. The areas affected by urban and industrial activity showed markedly higher concentrations of physicochemical and heavy metal parameters in both soil and groundwater samples (p < 0.05). An study of groundwater revealed concentrations from BDL to 0.170 ± 0.008 mg/L (S6) , 0.034 ± 0.004 mg/L (S4) to 1.565 ± 0.048 mg/L (S6), 1.786 ± 0.089 mg/L (S4) to 10.630 ± 0.279 mg/L (S6), 0.096 ± 0.006 mg/L (S4) to 0.321 ± 0.005 mg/L (S6), and 0.110 ± 0.005 mg/L (S6) for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cd mg/kg , respectively. Cr was detected at the BDL level in all groundwater samples from all sites. Findings revealed that metals exceeded the BIS range, with Iron over the limit at all sites, Manganese at S1, S2, and S6 sites, and Cadmium at S1, S2, S3, and S6 sites. The examination of the soil samples revealed concentrations ranging from 0.399 ± 0.125 mg/kg (S5) to 2.806 ± 0.083 mg/kg (S6), 1.207 ± 0.044 mg/kg (S5) to 3.813 ± 0.238 mg/kg (S2), 24.972 ± 1.128 mg/kg (S5) to 47.417 ± 1.713 mg/kg (S3), 2.297 ± 0.43 mg/kg (S5) to 14.641 ± 0.229 mg/kg (S2), and BDL (S4, S5, and S6) to 0.194 ± 0.291 mg/kg (S2) for their respective elements. The Cr content was BDL in all soil samples from all sites. Several metals over the BIS range were detected, including Cu at site S6, Zn at sites S1, S2, S3, S4, and S6, Fe at all sites and Mn at site S2. In S1-S6, the total bacterial population in the soil ranged from 397 ± 67 CFU to 459±88 CFU, with values of 442 ± 86 CFU, 404 ± 78 CFU, 459 ± 88 CFU, 397 ± 67 CFU, 405 ± 67 CFU, and 451 ± 77 CFU, respectively. The findings revealed soil and groundwater pollution caused by the elevated levels of heavy metals in the groundwater, rendering the water unfit for drinking. The study underscores the need of adopting effective waste management strategies to reduce the adverse effects of solid waste disposal sites. The results can guide the formulation of development policies and laws aimed at enabling the implementation of suitable solid waste management techniques.

Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Methane Production During Post-Landfill Maintenance in Kish Island: A LandGEM Simulation Approach

Background: Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are significant contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly methane, during the breakdown of waste materials. Researchers have undertaken extensive investigations into quantifying methane emissions from landfills, utilizing various methodologies beyond reliance on the LandGEM model. Numerous studies have underscored the efficacy of this model in predicting methane generation and exploring its utility in activities such as energy generation and emission mitigation strategies. Objectives: Municipal solid waste landfills are vital contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, notably methane, during waste decomposition. Significant research has focused on estimating methane output from landfills, utilizing various approaches beyond the LandGEM model. Studies highlight the model's potential in assessing methane generation and its relevance to activities like energy generation and emission management. Methods: The LandGEM simulation model is employed to forecast future waste generation and provide valuable insights into the environmental consequences of landfill management on the island. By analyzing population data and waste generation statistics from 2023 to 2042, the study utilizes the LandGEM software to estimate methane emissions, incorporating site-specific data and waste composition analysis. Results: The findings reveal that 36% of the total waste on Kish Island consists of putrescible material, with food waste being a significant component. Over the study period, approximately 1,282,637 tons of waste are projected to be disposed of in the Kish landfill. The LandGEM model predicts the highest landfill gas emission in 2043, primarily methane, along with carbon dioxide and non-metallic organic compounds. The estimated quantities for these gases in 2043 are 5.415E+03, 1.486E+04, and 2.327E+02 metric tons, respectively. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of tailored waste management strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and emphasizes the need for efficient gas collection systems. A proposed gas collection system combining vertical wells, horizontal trenches, and under-membrane pipes is discussed to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental risks. The study provides valuable insights into waste management and landfill gas emissions on Kish Island, underscoring the significance of accurate emission prediction and effective management to minimize environmental consequences and optimize the utilization of renewable energy resources.

Performance assessment of innovative waste management system developed for the production of bio-fertilizer

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 33 % of the world's food, equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes, is wasted annually as of 2019. This wastage is disproportionately high in developed regions like Europe and North America, where individuals discard an average of 95–115 kg per annum, compared to 6–11 kg in parts of Asia and North Africa. Kitchen waste, comprising 30–40 % of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), significantly contributes to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions if not properly managed. To address these issues, an integrated waste management approach is being adopted, focusing on recycling resources from uncooked kitchen waste. Three different types of organic waste; uncooked kitchen waste, sawdust, and fresh cow dung/digestate, which also served as an inoculum, have been considered to optimize the quality and effectiveness of biofertilizers. In-vessel reactor composting, studied under controlled conditions, digestate in a 7.5:1.5:1 ratio as an effective inoculum, showed promising results in physio-chemical parameters compared to other trials. Additionally, using fresh cow dung as an inoculum led to significant bioaccumulation of pollutants, suggesting its potential for bioremediation purposes. These findings highlight the importance of innovative waste management strategies in reducing food waste, mitigating environmental impact, and promoting sustainable resource utilization.

Synergistic recycling of MSWI fly ash and incinerated sewage sludge ash into low-carbon binders

This study proposed a novel method for synergetic recycling of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (IFA) and incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) to produce low-carbon binders. The hydration mechanism, physical properties, and environmental risks associated with the designed binders were thoroughly evaluated. The results revealed a compositional complementary effect between IFA and ISSA, with ettringite being identified as the main crystal product resulting from the reaction between Ca2+ and SO42- in IFA and reactive aluminates in ISSA. The chlorides in raw IFA were effectively immobilized by the formation of various Cl-containing products, and all potentially toxic elements were immobilized in the binder system, exhibiting low leachability. Besides, CaO was found to be a highly efficient activator, providing additional reactive Ca2+ for the formation of more abundant and larger ettringite crystals, which consequently led to the high compressive strength (> 40 MPa) of the designed binders. Overall, this study provided a feasible approach for the upcycling of IFA and ISSA, contributing to the realization of “Zero-waste city” and the advancement of sustainable construction materials.

Evaluation of optimal technology for the sustainable processing of municipal solid waste employing MINLP model: a case study of Pakistan

Evaluation of optimal technology for the sustainable processing of municipal solid waste employing MINLP model: a case study of Pakistan

High-temperature corrosion mechanisms of a Ni-based alloy in simulated multi-source organic waste co-incineration environments

Due to the new trend of co-incinerating municipal solid waste (MSW) with sewage sludge, medical waste, or industrial organic waste to attain a “waste-free” status, mixing of multi-source organic wastes (MSOW) increases the complexity of solid waste, which fluctuates the composition of corrosive species in the boiler. The fluctuation of corrosive species alters the alkali metals/S/Cl ratios and increases the uncertainties of high-temperature corrosion of boiler key components. The corrosion behaviors and mechanisms in varying compositions of corrosive species are complex and remain elusive. To investigate the corrosion characteristics during the co-incineration of MSOW, this study examined the corrosion mechanisms of a nickel-based Ni59.08Cr24.31Al10.74W5.3B0.57 alloy in simulated co-incineration environments of MSOW. The environment contained either HCl, NaCl, or SO2 in wet oxygen at 600 °C. For each case experiment, the maximum possible value of each corrosive species expected in the actual incinerator and/or its absence was considered. HCl of either 0 or 1500 ppm, SO2 of 0 or 300 ppm, and NaCl of 0 or 50 mg/cm2 were systematically used in each experiment. The influence of each corrosive condition on the corrosion of the alloy was evaluated by mass gain measurements, and the corrosion mechanisms were elucidated through SEM, EDS mapping, XRD, XPS analyses, and thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. The results revealed that NaCl salt and HCl gas in wet oxygen have complementary effects, which accelerated the corrosion of alloy, reaching ∼ 65.6 mg/cm2 over one week. HCl enhanced the corrosion by affecting the chemical reactions that regenerated NaCl, which participated in prolonged corrosion processes. SO2 reduced the mass gain of the alloy to 38.4 mg/cm2. SO2 participated in the sulfation of NaCl, forming a mixed layer of Na2SO4 and (Al/Cr)2O3, reducing the mass gain by 1.71 times. In the environment without NaCl, SO2 helped in the formation of a protective oxide layer, which prevented HCl from reaching the alloy, reducing the corrosion impact by 23.5 times.

Sustainable industrial process design for derived CO2 adsorbent from municipal solid wastes: Scale-up, techno-economic and parametric assessment

Climate change and carbon emissions attributed to anthropogenic activities is getting alarming dimensions. On the other hand, the overwhelming progress of industrialization and urbanization contributed to an explosion in the municipal solid waste (MSW), as one of the other global challenges. However, developing a cost-effective adsorbent with appealing textural properties for CO2 capture is still one of the main challenges. Lately, carbon-based solid waste materials of biogenic origin have received a major interest to this end, owing to the renewability, availability and low-cost. Routinely, academic research mainly focuses on lab-scale development of activated carbons derived from waste materials. However, there is a significant gap concerning the industrial production of activated carbon from such materials. Accordingly, in this work, an industrial plant has been designed for producing activated carbon derived from digestate of MSWs in the industrial scale by presenting all scale-up details, engineering assumptions and process specifications. The results indicated that the plant has a potential to process 90,273 ton MSW annually, which consumes 1367.8 MWh net electricity and 20,134.4 GJ net heat, also produces 4788.10 ton CO2 adsorbent, per year. The economic assessment specified that the plant capital cost is around $14.112 million with the net price of 0.61 $/kg for produced activated carbon. Further, the sensitivity analysis and parametric study determined that the sample level in the drum is the determinative parameter on the energy consumption and net price of adsorbent. Finally, Response Surface Methodology was employed to maximize the plant profitability concerning the designing factors.

Deep learning implementation using convolutional neural network in inorganic packaging waste sorting

Municipal solid waste is a significant issue that causes environmental contamination. One of the most prevalent wastes that is difficult to decompose is waste from inorganic packaging. Inorganic packaging waste management can be done by sorting waste as the first step before going through subsequent processing. However, waste sorting is currently still difficult to do by human power in waste management facilities, so it is necessary to design a system that can assist the waste sorting process. This research aims to develop a model that can classify inorganic packaging at waste processing sites. To develop the model, we used five pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures, namely Xception, Inception V3, ResNet-50, Resnet-50 V2, and DenseNet-201. Then, the best architecture based on some metric performances will be tuned. The result displayed that the CNN model with Densenet 201 architecture, accompanied by tuning, achieved the best performance to classify the waste. The accuracy for the validation dataset is 95.31 %, the accuracy for the testing dataset is 95.6 %, precision is 0.96, recall is 0.96, and the F1-score is 0.96. The results of those performance metrics show that the model can predict the image of inorganic packaging waste well for further application to an automated waste sorting system.

Public perceptions of municipal solid waste among impacted communities in North America: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

Public perceptions of municipal solid waste among impacted communities in North America: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

Sustainable management of family life and finance in the context of digital capabilities - data flow dynamics

In recent years, biorefining Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has gained attention as a promising solution to the challenges of waste management and resource shortages, while also advancing sustainability goals. This research focuses on the European Union, analyzing the material flow and sustainability of biorefining systems and evaluating their impact on society, the economy, and the natural environment. The final products of the integrated material recovery processes, including recycling (18.3 %), heavy metals (3.6 %), fiber (1.4 %), hydrogen sulfate (7.4 %), recoverable water (14.8 %), fertilizer (8.4 %), and electric power (0.126 MWH/t MSW), are derived from the combined operations of material recovery facilities, pulverization, chemical conversion, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The CHP system recovers energy from sources such as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), other disposable waste, charcoal, and natural gas produced by material recovery facilities, chemical conversion, and anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. Levulinic acid (LA), priced at 52 Euro/t, generates a profit of 220 Euro/t, excluding any subsidies. Potential reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are estimated at 2.5 and 1.4 kg CO2 equivalents per kilogram of levulinic acid (LA) and fertilizer, respectively, and 0.18 kg CO2 equivalents per megajoule of electrical power. This study underscores the importance of sustainable management practices in the context of digital capabilities, emphasizing the data flow dynamics essential for optimizing family life and finance in achieving sustainability.