The global exponential rise of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and landfilling has prompted research into integrated MSW management solutions. While curbside recycling and other initiatives dramatically reduced the amount of recyclables landfilled, only one quarter of the organic waste present in post-recycled MSW is utilized. This squanders a rich carbon source and produces greenhouse gases during decomposition. Using pyrolysis at various temperatures, MSW was converted to liquid and gaseous bio-fuels, and subsequently activated with carbon dioxide. Increasing pyrolysis temperature increased the amount of hydrogen and methane devolatilized, though there was no direct relationship for bio-oil quality. There is a direct correlation between surface area, reactivity, and activation temperature, though pyrolysis temperature does not appear to impact the post-activated char properties, The activated carbons produced can be used to treat landfill leachate; initial adsorption experiments show high capacity for removal of methylene blue, a model organic compound, from aqueous solution. By using pyrolysis to convert MSW to energy we can design a flexible process to maximize char production when more activated carbon is needed, or maximize bio-oil or syngas when more fuel is desired. The cost of implementation of such a process is significantly lower than vitrification, and incorporates landfill leachate treatment. Thus, pyrolysis is likely a more economically viable solution to sanitation management for developing areas.

Integrated municipal solid waste management: Renewable energy and activated carbons for leachate treatment

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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