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What is municipal solid waste and how to manage it

Author:Zhongan-ECO Comefrom: Date:2021/11/14 14:21:23

What is municipal solid waste and how to manage it


Defenition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) - more commonly known as trash or garbage—consists of everyday items we use and then throw away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries. This comes from our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Although the composition of MSW could be highly variable, it is generally accepted that organic materials are the largest component of MSW. 


Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW)

OFMSW is a mixture of food waste, paper and cardboard, yard trimmings, and other organic wastes mainly generated from residential, commercial, and institutional facilities. 


Global waste composition (percent)

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In recent decades, increasingly strict environmental regulations and the promotion of waste recycling and reduction have encouraged the source separation of municipal solid waste and the employment of more environmentally friendly treatment technologies.


How to manage Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Global treatment and disposal of waste (percent)

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Municipal solid waste to electricity development and future trend in China

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Thermal conversion technology

The heat treatment of MSW in an incinerator can generate heat, fuel, or gas. At present, the thermal conversion technology of MSW is mainly realized through three ways (incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification), including converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Incineration is currently the most widely used thermal conversion technology, which achieves energy conversion by controlling the combustion of MSW at high temperatures. The other two types of thermal conversion technologies (pyrolysis, gasification) are still in the research stage and cannot be used in large-scale urban construction.


For the Chinese mainland, the current power generation equipment for MSW incineration power generation technology is still dominant, accounting for 95%, while the pyrolysis and gasification power generation methods are still in the preliminary stages, accounting for only 5% of all waste power plants.


MSW incineration power generation is a rapidly growing industry, but there are some technical challenges.


Unstable power generation capacity

The composition of MSW is not stable, and its type and quantity are affected by the season. At the same time, MSW in mainland China has a high water content and low heat value, which greatly affects the stability of waste incineration power generation.


Equipment problems

MSW incineration has high requirements for equipment, and it will reduce the efficiency of waste incineration when equipment is seriously worn out. When the incineration temperature is too high by 350°C, some of the burners will be lost.


Environmental pollution problems

Toxic substances, such as dioxins and furans, are produced when MSW is burned at high temperatures. Although certain control measures have been taken, the generation of pollutants cannot be completely avoided.