Optimizing refuse-derived fuel production: a review of pre-treatment techniques for municipal solid waste reclamation

Abstract

The interplay between economic growth and energy consumption naturally drives an escalating demand for energy. However, this surge in demand has prompted concerns due to the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, overdependence on such fuels, and their detrimental environmental impacts. Consequently, there has been a spotlight on a novel biomass fuel emerging in recent years. In order to support sustainable waste management practices, this study examines the effectiveness of several pre-treatment techniques in increasing the production of sustainable energy from municipal solid waste (MSW). Globally, MSW generation is projected to reach around 2.1–2.3 billion tons per year by 2025. Annually, MSW around the world contains almost 170 billion metric tons of biomass. Due to the complex nature and variability of these MSW, optimizing manufacturing necessitates a suitable preliminary treatment. This review synthesizes the major findings and insights about the effectiveness of various pre-treatment processes, their impact on briquette features, and their potential for wider implementation in MSW management strategies by a thorough analysis of the existing literature. The objective of this review is to stimulate additional research and real-world implementations in the waste management field by illuminating these innovative sustainable solutions. Municipal solid waste feature, its generation, and the diverse waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion technologies employed to create energy from waste were discussed. Researchers, decision-makers, and practitioners involved in waste-to-energy conversion as a substitute energy source will find this review to be a useful resource.