Characterization for optimizing the integrated management of solid waste for energy recovery and circular economy

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management poses a significant environmental challenge in municipalities across developing nations worldwide. Our studies were focused on characterizing the waste and analyzing the chemical properties of mixed waste fractions to assess their potential for waste-to-energy conversion. The objective of our study was to scrutinize the existing state of the MSW management system and gauge its waste generation rates. Specific ASTM methods were employed to carry out both physical and chemical characterizations. The outcomes reveal that the city generates a daily volume of 1155 tons of domestic solid waste (DSW), translating to a generation rate of 0.51 kg −1 capita −1 day −1 . When analyzed by source, organic matter emerged as the predominant constituent, accounting for 73.74% of the waste, followed by combustible content waste at 15.17%. The moisture content of MSW ranged between 26 and 58% throughout the seasons, while volatile solids varied from 22.35 to 99.74%. Among the components screened, carbon and oxygen stood out as the dominant elements. The calorific values encompassed a broad range, ranging from 14.87 MJ kg −1 for leather waste to a substantial 25,629.27 MJ kg −1 for organic waste. To alleviate the escalating burden of increasing solid waste generation, alternative treatment approaches were recommended. These include composting, biomethane plants, the establishment of recycling facilities, and the enhancement of existing landfill sites to scientifically designed landfills. In summary, the findings from this study provide valuable insights for regulatory bodies and municipal authorities. These insights can guide the formulation of policies concerning waste sampling, characterization, segregation, and the implementation of education and awareness campaigns.

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Entire data generated in this experiment has been included in this manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Government College University Faisalabad Pakistan for all the support to coduct this experimental work.

Funding

This research was partially funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan via project number HEC-NRPU 5635. The authors are grateful to HEC for this research funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan Fariha Jabeen & Uzma Noreen
2. Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan Fariha Jabeen, Muhammad Adrees, Muhammad Ibrahim & Abid Mahmood
3. Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan Muhammad Waqas
4. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jhang, Jhang, Pakistan Afifa Aslam

1. Fariha Jabeen