Organic fraction of municipal solid waste from mechanical selection: biological stabilization and recovery options

Abstract

Although current trends address towards prevention strategies, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste is greatly produced, especially in high-income contexts. Its recovery-oriented collection is a common practice, but a relevant portion of the biodegradable waste is not source selected. Mechanical and biological treatments (MBT) are the most common option to sort and stabilize the biodegradable matter ending in residual waste stream. Following the changes of the framework around waste management, this paper aimed at analyzing the quality of the mechanically selected organic waste produced in MBT plants, in order to discuss its recovery options. The material performance was obtained by its composition as well as by its main chemical and physical parameters; biological stability was also assessed by both aerobic and anaerobic methods. On this basis, the effectiveness of an aerobic biostabilization process was assessed at pilot scale. After 21 days of treatment, results proved that the biomass had reached an acceptable biostabilization level, with a potential Dynamic Respirometric Index (DRIP) value lower than the limit required for its use as daily or final landfill cover material. However, the final stabilization level was seen to be influenced by scaling factors and the 21 days of treatment turned to be not so adequate when applied in the existing full-scale facility.

Hybrid magnetic graphitic nanocomposites towards catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of the liquid effluent from a mechanical biological treatment plant for municipal solid waste

“…The organic fraction accounts for about 30-40 wt.% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) produced in Europe, corresponding to over 70 million tonnes per year [1]. A significant portion of this biodegradable waste ends up in landfills [1]; however, this approach is not really sustainable [2].…”

“…A significant portion of this biodegradable waste ends up in landfills [1]; however, this approach is not really sustainable [2]. In order to limit the environmental impact of direct landfill disposal, the EU Directive on waste landfilling (Council Directive 99/31/EC) aims to reduce the biodegradable MSW going to landfills, namely 65 wt.% within just 15 years [3].…”

Effect of Bio-Based Products on Waste Management

“…The material fractions, such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass, are separated from residual waste by manual and automatic separation. In MBT plants, valorization of the selectively collected material and biowaste takes place by manual, automated separation followed by composting or anaerobic digestion [18,19]. Thus, any statements about the end-of-life of bio-based products are only valid if they take into consideration the availability of appropriate waste management infrastructures and facilities.…”

Behavior of Rejects from a Biological-Mechanical Treatment Plant on the Landfill to Laboratory Scale

“…Public acceptance of waste disposal sites is not widespread, owing to concerns about their adverse effects on both the environment and human health, and populations living near landfills often feel apprehension [2]. The treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) in mechanical biological treatment (MBT) or biological mechanical treatment (BMT) plants allows a significant proportion of materials to be recovered and recycled (recyclable materials like plastics, paper-cardboard, metals, etc., on the one hand, and biowastes on the other hand) [3]. However, another important fraction of MSW cannot be recovered and is considered to be reject.…”