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Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization

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  • Khadija Sarquah

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
    Berlin School of Technology, SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, 10587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Satyanarayana Narra

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
    German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ), 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Gesa Beck

    (Berlin School of Technology, SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, 10587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Uduak Bassey

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
    Berlin School of Technology, SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, 10587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Edward Antwi

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany)

  • Michael Hartmann

    (Berlin School of Technology, SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, 10587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Nana Sarfo Agyemang Derkyi

    (School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani P.O. Box 214, Ghana)

  • Edward A. Awafo

    (School of Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani P.O. Box 214, Ghana)

  • Michael Nelles

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
    German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ), 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

Abstract

Reuse and recycling are preferred strategies in waste management to ensure the high position of waste resources in the waste management hierarchy. However, challenges are still pronounced in many developing countries, where disposal as a final solution is prevalent, particularly for municipal solid waste. On the other hand, refuse-derived fuel as a means of energy recovery provides a sustainable option for managing mixed, contaminated and residual municipal solid waste (MSW). This study provides one of the earliest assessments of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from MSW in Ghana through a case study in the cities of Accra and Kumasi. The residual/reject fractions (RFs) of MSW material recovery were characterized for thermochemical energy purposes. The studied materials had the potential to be used as RDF. The combustible portions from the residual fractions formed good alternative fuel, RDF, under the class I, II-III classification of the EN 15359:2011 standards. The RDF from only combustible mixed materials such as plastics, paper and wood recorded a significant increase in the lower heating value (28.66–30.24 MJ/kg) to the mass RF, with the presence of organics (19.73 to 23.75 MJ/kg). The chlorine and heavy metal content met the limits set by various standards. An annual RDF production of 12 to 57 kilotons is possible from the two cities. This can offset 10–30% of the present industrial coal consumption, to about 180 kiloton/yr CO 2 eq emissions and a net cost saving of USD 8.7 million per year. The market for RDF as an industrial alternative fuel is developing in Ghana and similar jurisdictions in this context. Therefore, this study provides insights into the potential for RDF in integrated waste management system implementation for socioeconomic and environmental benefits. This supports efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Khadija Sarquah & Satyanarayana Narra & Gesa Beck & Uduak Bassey & Edward Antwi & Michael Hartmann & Nana Sarfo Agyemang Derkyi & Edward A. Awafo & Michael Nelles, 2022. "Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste and Assessment of Its Potential for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Valorization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2022:i:1:p:200-:d:1014170
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nii Nelson & Jo Darkwa & John Calautit & Mark Worall & Robert Mokaya & Eunice Adjei & Francis Kemausuor & Julius Ahiekpor, 2021. "Potential of Bioenergy in Rural Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Safwat Hemidat & Motasem Saidan & Salam Al-Zu’bi & Mahmoud Irshidat & Abdallah Nassour & Michael Nelles, 2019. "Potential Utilization of RDF as an Alternative Fuel to be Used in Cement Industry in Jordan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Khadija Sarquah & Satyanarayana Narra & Gesa Beck & Edward A. Awafo & Edward Antwi, 2022. "Bibliometric Analysis; Characteristics and Trends of Refuse Derived Fuel Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Nobre, Catarina & Vilarinho, Cândida & Alves, Octávio & Mendes, Benilde & Gonçalves, Margarida, 2019. "Upgrading of refuse derived fuel through torrefaction and carbonization: Evaluation of RDF char fuel properties," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 66-76.
    5. Istrate, Ioan-Robert & Medina-Martos, Enrique & Galvez-Martos, Jose-Luis & Dufour, Javier, 2021. "Assessment of the energy recovery potential of municipal solid waste under future scenarios," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).
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