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A life-cycle inventory model of municipal solid waste combustion
K W Harrison1, R D Dumas, M A Barlaz
1Department of Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA. kharriso@eos.ncsu.edu
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|July 21, 2000
Summary
This study presents a method to calculate environmental emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) combustion, considering energy recovery. It quantizes reductions in pollutants like CO2, SOx, and NOx for better waste management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Waste Management
Background:
- Evaluating municipal solid waste (MSW) management strategies necessitates accurate environmental emission models.
- Models must account for both waste quantity and composition to predict emissions effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a methodology for calculating waste component-specific emissions from MSW combustion.
- To assess emissions at the combustion facility and those avoided at energy recovery facilities.
- To quantify reductions in environmental emissions for a typical MSW combustion facility.
Main Methods:
- Developed a methodology to calculate emission factors (kg pollutant per metric ton MSW).
- Considered emissions of CO2 (biomass and fossil), SOx, HCl, NOx, dioxins/furans, PM, CO, and 11 metals.
- Included water emissions associated with electrical energy offsets.
Main Results:
- Calculated specific emission factors for various pollutants from MSW combustion.
- Quantified emission reductions for a 500-metric-ton-per-day facility recovering energy.
- Demonstrated the environmental benefits of waste-to-energy processes.
Conclusions:
- The presented methodology provides a robust tool for assessing the environmental impact of MSW combustion.
- Energy recovery from MSW significantly reduces overall environmental emissions.
- This approach supports informed decision-making for sustainable waste management.