Comparison of the effectiveness of the MBT process in the processing of biodegradable components separated mechanically and from mixed or unsorted municipal waste from three localities

Abstract

The aim this present paper is to determine the biodegradable waste composition in the Municipal Waste Recovery and Disposal Plant in Leśno Górne. It presents the analysis of the material composition of two fractions of 20-80 mm and > 80 mm in diameter, separated from municipal solid waste supplied to the MBT plant from three localities. The waste delivered to the plant within one year was analysed, the analyses were conducted once a month. On the basis of the percentage share of individual fractions and their material composition, having considered the mass of organic waste separated at the sorting stand, biodegradable waste balance (treated and intended for landfilling) was determined. Separate fractions 0-20 mm, 20-80 mm and > 80 mm constitute, 18.43%, 29.83 %, and 50.21% of the municipal waste mass, respectively. The content of individual fractions in waste mass showed seasonal fluctuations and differences depending on the place of waste generation. However, no statistically significant interactions were found regarding the share of particular fractions and the season and/or place of waste generation. The share of biodegradable waste in the granular size of 20-80 mm constituted, on average, approx. 60% of the mass, whereas the fraction of > 80 mm approx. 
40%. The research showed that, approx. 50% of biodegradable waste is stabilized and the remaining share, together with the fraction of > 80 mm, is to be landfilled in the untreated form or sent to waste incineration plant.